The hot bath, like the mustard bath, is used to promote reaction in cases of shock, collapse, etc., and in convulsions.
The Hot Pack.—Remove all clothing from the baby and envelop the body in a sheet wrung out of water at a temperature of 100° F., to 105° F., after which the body should be rolled in a thick blanket. Those hot applications may be changed every twenty minutes until free perspiration is produced. This condition may be kept up as long as is necessary.
The hot pack is used mainly in disease of the kidney.
The Hot-Air or Vapor Bath.—The child is put in bed wholly undressed with the bedclothing raised about twelve inches, and held in that position by a wicker support. The child's head is of course outside the bed clothing. Beneath the bed clothing hot air or vapor from a croup kettle is introduced. This will cause free perspiration in twenty minutes. It may be continued from twenty to thirty minutes at a time.
The vapor bath is used in diseases of the kidney, as a rule.
The Bran Bath.—In five gallons of water place a bag in which is put one quart of ordinary wheat bran. The bag is made of cheese cloth. Squeeze and manipulate the bran bag until the water resembles a thin porridge. The temperature of the water is usually about 95° F., though it may be given with any temperature of water.
The bran bath is of great value in eczema, or in rashes about the buttocks, or in delicate skin conditions when plain water would irritate.
The Tepid Bath.—This bath may be given at a temperature of 95°, or 100° F. It is of distinct advantage in extremely nervous children. To induce sleep it is often better than drugs.
The Cold Sponge or Shower Bath.—This bath should be given in the morning in a warm room. A tub should be provided with enough water in it to cover the child's feet. This water should be warm because when the feet are in warm water it prevents the shock which frequently comes when cold water is applied to any other part of the body.
A large sponge is filled with water at a temperature of from 40° to 60° F. This is squeezed a number of times over the child's chest, shoulders, and back. While the cold water is being applied the body should be well rubbed with the free hand of the mother. The bath should not last longer than half a minute. When finished take the child out quickly and stand him on a bath towel and give him a brisk rubbing with a bath towel until the skin reacts. This is an exceedingly valuable tonic for a delicate child. It should not be used on younger children than eighteen months of age. In younger children a cold plunge is preferable.