In giving all hot baths a thermometer must be used, and a word of warning must be given about adding hot water in case of sickness, as well-authenticated cases of paralysis are recorded in which the temperature sense of the patient was lost, and, in adding hot water, it was raised to such a temperature that the legs and feet of the patient were scalded.
During the sitz bath the patient keeps on her stockings and bedroom slippers, and, unless friction is ordered, the entire body, as well as the feet and legs, are enveloped in blankets.
The duration of this bath is from three to ten minutes. This bath is especially useful in restoring the menstrual function when it has been suspended as the result of chill or other causes; also, for relieving hemorrhoids, uterine colic, neuralgia of the ovaries, and inflammation of the bladder.
To prolong the effect of the bath the patient may be put to bed wrapped up in her blankets. In cold weather it is a good precautionary measure to have the bed heated with hot-water bottles, in order to prevent chilling.
Salt Ablution.—As the name indicates, this is a salt-water bath, and the best results are obtained by using a saturated solution, which is in the proportion of 1 pint of salt to 1 gallon of water. Sea-salt is the best, but, if that cannot be obtained, ordinary salt may be used.
If there is no bath-tub in the house an ordinary wash-bowl may be used, but the bath is most effective when taken in the tub. The salt and water are put in a papier-mâché pail, which is placed at the foot of the tub. The chilliness which might be caused by sitting on the cold porcelain is avoided by placing a heavy folded bath-towel on the bottom of the tub. In cold weather the tub should be previously heated by allowing the hot water to run in.
The salt water feels very much colder than plain water at the same temperature. It is well to begin with a temperature of from 90° to 85° F., and gradually lower the temperature until 70° F. is reached.
The water is applied by means of a Turkish wash-towel, accompanied by vigorous friction, beginning with the face and neck, arms, legs, back, and, lastly, the chest and abdomen are gone over. After that, the water is dashed over the entire body, and is followed by a brisk toweling and friction with the hands or hair glove. The salt water should not be washed off, except in those rare cases where it causes a disagreeable sensation; it is then removed by the use of the hot followed by the cold shower, as previously directed.
Indications for Its Use.—It is an excellent nerve tonic in cases of depression with loss of appetite, insomnia, etc., also in anemia and neurasthenia. In this class of cases it is best taken in the afternoon, on rising from the siesta, and just before dressing for dinner. It is especially refreshing in the hot weather.
Its use is contraindicated under the same conditions that other cold baths are, and must never be taken when the bather has a tendency to chilliness.