Paraffin Bath Question (Mama Tiger or Anyone)

Okay, I got me one of them things today and I must say, my gouty middle finger really feels great while the warmth of the wax covers it.

Couple of questions, though:

  1. Okay to peel the wax back off and throw it into the hot wax solution?
  2. Where does one find wax that isn’t so perfumey-smelling
  3. I tried using one of the XL gloves we use here in the hospital to pull on over my wax-covered hand so that I can work with it on. Are any of y’all that do this using these types of throw-away gloves or is there anything better? What came with the unit I bought, (19.99 at Target) were just some thin plastic bags.

Thanks very much for the idea! It was money well-spent.

:smiley:

Q

  1. You can throw the old wax back in if you want, but you’ll be tossing dead skin cells, dirt, oil etc… back in. Not a big deal, but I’d imagine your wax would get dirty looking and you’d probably end up replacing it before you run out anyways.

  2. Unscented Wax That just what I came up with typing parafin wax into a search engine. I KNOW I saw some unscented was (Dr Scholls I think) at walmart.

  3. I always used the bag, then a cloth type thing that I wrapped around that (included in kit) this kept the wax warmer longer, and made it work better. I never tried working with it on, since I don’t like the wax to crack while it’s on. Unscented Wax

Q, you can make your own (unscented) wax. I haven’t priced the prepared kind, so I don’t know if it would save you moolah or not, but here it is:

1 pound paraffin (I get it in the canning section of the grocery or WalMart)
1 cup baby oil

I think I subbed another oil when I made it, because I don’t keep baby oil on hand, but I don’t remember what I used–probably olive or almond.

Paraffin hand treatments are the best when you have achy joints. Enjoy!

Best,
karol

Thanks, bodypoet and Joey P! I went to my local Ingles and found something called Gulf Wax. On the box it indicated many uses, but none of them mentioned using it directly on the skin.

Sorry to appear dense, but is this what you were talking about, bp? I know that some wax has a heavier petroleum base than others, and just wanted to be sure before I buy it.

The stuff that re-fills my Revlon bath costs about 9 bucks a box (three pounds), and I think I could go through that in a week!

Joey: Thanks for the link. Those guys want 21 bucks (less shipping) for a 6 pound box plus 7 bucks to ship. Hmmmmm.

Okay. How about this: Would paraffin like I need be any cheaper at a place like Michael’s (hobby shop) , at a bulk price?

Hope y’all will check back in, because my gouty finger feels so great wrapped in wax, that I’m thinking of having a paraffin bath unit at work and at home!

Thanks!

Q