You can find paraffin wax in candles, on fruit, in chocolate and in the radiator of the Lunar Rover. Paraffin wax is a petroleum derivative with a low melting point. It is an effective insulator, holding onto heat for long periods of time. When melted, paraffin is silky, not sticky. Dipping your hands in melted paraffin creates a watertight wax glove that can wrap closely around the small joints of your fingers and knuckles to increase blood flow and ease stiffness. If your doctor recommends heat therapy to ease your hand pain, paraffin treatments may help you.
History
The ancient Romans used heat therapy when they applied melted beeswax to their bodies to prepare for massage. In the 1830s, chemists developed a technique to separate and distill the waxy substance from petroleum to create paraffin. The white wax was odorless, flavorless and derived its name from the Latin terms meaning "low reactivity." The French applied melted paraffin to open wounds for protection against infection. British military hospitals during World War I had soldiers dip their feet in paraffin for orthopedic disorders.
Process
Melt paraffin wax in a heated tub or pan to about 125 degrees F. You may add fragrance to the melted wax for an aromatherapeutic effect. Apply lotion before carefully dipping one hand into the wax a few inches above your wrist, then remove your hand to let the excess wax drip off. After the wax coating has stopped dripping, dip your hand into the tub again to thicken the coating. Repeat this process three to five times. Place a plastic bag around your hand to contain the wax and wrap a towel around the plastic bag to hold the heat. You may need assistance to dip and wrap your second hand. Sit still, without moving your hands, for about 20 minutes. Remove the towels and slide the bags and wax off.
Effects
The warmth of the wax and your sealed-in body heat dilates the blood vessels in your hands. The heat increases blood flow to joints, muscles and connective tissue. The heat can help to increase range of motion in your joints. Paraffin dips have other benefits as well, such as softening your skin. The heat opens the pores of your skin, encouraging absorption of moisture and emollients. Also, simply sitting still for 20 minutes can be a form of stress relief.
Types
You can purchase a paraffin kit to perform home treatments. The Ohio State University Medical Center provides instructions for patients to do their paraffin treatments by melting wax from a medical supply store in a double-boiler pan or slow cooker. Paraffin dips are so effective for moisturizing skin that many luxury spas and salons include the treatments in manicures and pedicures. Nail salons can be a less costly setting for paraffin dips. Several will provide paraffin dips without the nail service.
Prevention/Solution
Avoid paraffin treatments if you have open wounds. Wash your hands before you dip them to avoid infection. For home kits, you can reuse your wax, but public venues should not. Test the temperature of the wax on your wrist before you immerse your hand. Be wary of any allergies you may have in case you need to avoid fragrances or lotion.
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