Rx: Take a Bath!

Call it low-tech medicine. Hippocrates, a doctor in ancient Greece, was prescribing baths for skin conditions, backaches, joint pain and other maladies in the 4th century B.C. And some of his advice still holds water today.

Studies on the bath are limited and not conclusive. Most findings about its healing properties are based on "observational evidence" by doctors, physical therapists and patients. Baths seem to stimulate blood circulation and help to reduce swelling and pain. Several studies also suggest that baths can help to relieve low back and rheumatoid arthritis pain.

Among the benefits ascribed to baths:

• Soaking in a tub is an easy way to treat large areas of skin. A bath can be used to treat itching, eczema, hives, dry or crusty skin, inflamed or chafed skin and poison ivy or oak.
• A warm bath can help you relax if you're anxious or tense. The drop in body temperature after the bath may help those who can't sleep.
• Being in water takes the weight off joints and muscles. This may ease the pain and soreness of arthritis or sports injuries.
• A bath may reduce the pain of inflammation, menstrual cramps or burns. It may also soothe tired feet.
• Sitting in a warm tub may be healing for hemorrhoids and rectal problems.
• During childbirth, a bath may ease labor pain. Afterwards, a bath may be part of episiotomy care.
• A cold bath can decrease body temperature and lower the pulse quickly if needed.
• Warm water can help ease muscle spasms.
• Baths may be recommended for people with herpes or other infections, like prostatitis.

Soak it up
There are many types of baths. Some like it hot, but if your feet are tired, cold water hits the spot.

Another popular soak is the Sitz bath. Only your hips, buttocks and lower abdomen are immersed. You can sit in a bucket-like tub of warm water to keep your upper body, legs and feet out of the water.

Your doctor may suggest that you add special ingredients to your bath, too:

• Baking soda for dry or itchy skin, or chickenpox
• Oatmeal to relieve poison ivy or other itchy rashes
• Vinegar, to reduce itching of sunburn or psoriasis
• Epsom salt, for minor sprains, inflammation, arthritis or hemorrhoid pain
• Essential oils, at the end of the bath, to soothe itchy skin or eczema
• Bath salts to promote healing of rashes, insect bites, psoriasis or eczema

Water safety
Ask your doctor whether "bath therapy" is right for you if you have a circulation problem, are pregnant or have an implanted medical device. Follow basic safety measures, too.

• Use a bath mat so the tub is not slippery.
• Use tepid or cool water - never too hot.
• Don't soak for more than 30 minutes per day.
• Keep the bathroom warm to minimize temperature change.
• Make sure you are hydrated before the bath.
• After the bath, blot your skin with a towel; don't rub.

Related Articles Self-Care Strategies for Arthritis Do Sleepless Nights Ruin Your Day? Older Adults and Back Pain The Forgotten Prostate Disease Q&A: What Is Genital Herpes

External Sources The American College of Gastroenterology. Rectal problems. Accessed October 30, 2007. National Cancer Institute. Pruritus. Accessed October 30, 2007. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. In brief: your guide to healthy sleep. Accessed October 30, 2007. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Rheumatoid arthritis and complementary and alternative medicine. Accessed October 30, 2007. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Pain relief during labor and delivery. Accessed October 30, 2007. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dysmenorrhea. Accessed October 30, 2007. Hippocrates. On Regimen in Acute Diseases. Part 18. 400 B.C.E. Accessed October 30, 2007.

Search