A paraffin bath, typically a tabletop unit containing heated wax, is used for applying a thick coating to hands for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes. The process involves repeatedly submerging hands into the melted wax, allowing a layer to solidify, and repeating until a substantial “glove” of wax is formed. This apparatus often includes temperature controls for precise heat regulation and may incorporate features such as drip trays and insulated exteriors.
The warm wax application can provide pain relief for arthritis and other joint conditions by increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles. Cosmetically, the treatment softens and moisturizes skin, leaving it supple. Historically, paraffin baths have been employed in physical therapy settings, expanding later to spas and personal use. This evolution reflects the growing recognition of paraffin’s therapeutic and aesthetic advantages.