contrast bath

bath (bath)

1. a medium, e.g., water, vapor, sand, or mud, with which the body is washed or in which the body is wholly or partially immersed for therapeutic or cleansing purposes; application of such a medium to the body.

2. the equipment or apparatus in which a body or object may be immersed.

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colloid bath  one containing gelatin, starch, bran, or similar substances.

contrast bath  alternate immersion of a body part in hot and cold water.

emollient bath  one in an emollient liquid, e.g., a decoction of bran.

half bath  a bath of the hips and lower part of the body.

hip bath  sitz b.

sitz bath  immersion of only the hips and buttocks.

sponge bath  one in which the body is not immersed but is rubbed with a wet cloth or sponge.

whirlpool bath  one in which the water is kept in constant motion by mechanical means.

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contrast bath

n.

A bath in which a part of the body is immersed alternately in hot and cold water.

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contrast bath,

a bath in which the patient alternately immerses a part of the body, usually the hands or feet, in hot and cold water for a specified period. The procedure is used to increase the blood flow to a particular area.

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bath

1. a medium, e.g. water, vapor, sand or mud, with which the body is washed or in which the body is wholly or partially immersed for therapeutic or cleansing purposes; application of such a medium to the body.

2. the equipment or apparatus in which a body or object may be immersed.

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colloid bath

a bath prepared by adding soothing agents, such as gelatin, starch, bran or similar substances, to the bath water, for the purpose of relieving skin irritation and pruritus. The patient is dried by patting rather than rubbing the skin. Care must be taken to avoid chilling.

contrast bath

alternate immersion of a part in hot water and cold water.

cool bath

one in water from 60 to 75°F (15 to 24°C).

emollient bath

a bath in a soothing and softening liquid, used in various skin disorders.

fish bath treatment

a separate tank prepared for this purpose is best. Is most effective as a means of treating skin conditions. There is insufficient absorption of most drugs from aquarium water.

hot bath

one in water from 98 to 112°F (36 to 44°C).

bath oil

a dispersible surfactant oil used in the treatment of dry skin disease, particularly seborrhea sicca.

tepid bath

one in water 85 to 92°F (30 to 33°C).

warm bath

one in water 90 to 104°F (32 to 40°C).

whirlpool bath

one in which the water is kept in constant motion by mechanical means. It has a gentle massaging action that promotes relaxation and is used in the treatment of skin diseases.

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contrast bath

Sports medicine A bath with fluctuating temperatures to induce alternating vasodilation and vasoconstriction, or reduce subacute or gravity-dependent edema. See Cold bath, Hot bath.