The Hot Sponge hydrotherapy relaxes and helps one go to sleep. It is primarily used to reduce Fever in those instances in which chilliness exists. A Hot Foot Bath or Fomentations can also help him/her perspire and increase the blood supply to the Skin.

a) The Water should be as hot as he can tolerate.

b) When the Hot Sponge is continued for 40-45 minutes, his/her temperature will not rise as rapidly afterward (as it would have done after a Cold Sponge).

c) Always follow the order of arms, chest, abdomen, legs, thighs, back when hot sponging.

d) Bare one part at a time, then dry thoroughly and cover before doing the next.

e) For the Hot Sponge, the cloth should be dipped several times for each part.

Note:

* A person with a Fever may have a hot, dry Skin (because his/her body is not giving off heat as rapidly as it is being produced), or may have cold, clammy Skin (because his/her temperature regulating mechanism is not working properly, due to the Infection).

* The sponging will be different for hot, dry Skin than it will be for cold, clammy Skin.

* Always remember: When in a Fever, a person needs Water to drink.

What you will need

• A blanket (or extra sheet),
• A basin of Water,
• 2-3 rough surface towels,
• 1-2 washcloths (or a soft sea sponge),
• A hot Water bottle,
• A bath thermometer.

How to apply:

1) Cover the patient with a Cotton blanket, instead of the regular bed covers (so they will not become wet). Protect the bed with towels as each part is sponged.

2) Sponge one part at a time, in the following order: arms, chest, abdomen, legs, feet, and finally the back.

3) Sponge (each part with no rubbing or friction as the Water left on the Skin will evaporate, taking heat from the Fevered body).

4) When you have completed sponging each part, cover it with a dry towel and dry it lightly.

5) The Skin may be left slightly moist, unless he /she shows a tendency to chill. Be sure he is dry before his bedclothes are put on again.

6) Be certain that there are no drafts in the room during (or after) the sponging, and watch for a tendency for him to chill.

7) A hot-Water bottle may be placed at his feet if he is likely to chill easily afterward.

8) Take his temperature about 30 minutes later.

It is the sponging temperature hydrotherapy most frequently used when the Skin is hot and dry and there is no tendency to chilliness.

a) Each part should be done over several times, and/or the entire process can be repeated until the desired effect is obtained.

b) The temperature of the Water and the duration of the treatment will determine the results.

c) A cold compress (or washcloth) may be placed on the forehead (or in the armpit).

d) Friction (rubbing) is used to bring blood to the surface and to increase the rate of circulation to hasten the cooling process.

Note:

* A person with a Fever may have a hot, dry Skin (because his/her body is not giving off heat as rapidly as it is being produced), or may have cold, clammy Skin (because his/her temperature regulating mechanism is not working properly, due to the Infection).

* The sponging will be different for hot, dry Skin than it will be for cold, clammy Skin.

* Always remember: When in a Fever, a person needs Water to drink.

What you will need

• A blanket (or extra sheet),
• A basin of Water,
• 2-3 rough surface towels,
• 1-2 washcloths (or a soft sea sponge),
• A hot Water bottle,
• A bath thermometer.

How to apply:

1) Cover the patient with a Cotton blanket, instead of the regular bed covers (so they will not become wet). Protect the bed with towels as each part is sponged.

2) Sponge one part at a time, in the following order: arms, chest, abdomen, legs, feet, and finally the back.

3) Sponge (each part with no rubbing or friction as the Water left on the Skin will evaporate, taking heat from the Fevered body).

4) When you have completed sponging each part, cover it with a dry towel and dry it lightly.

5) The Skin may be left slightly moist, unless he /she shows a tendency to chill. Be sure he is dry before his bedclothes are put on again.

6) Be certain that there are no drafts in the room during (or after) the sponging, and watch for a tendency for him to chill.

7) A hot-Water bottle may be placed at his feet if he is likely to chill easily afterward.

8) Take his temperature about 30 minutes later.

Tepid Sponge & Neutral Sponge hydrotherapy are given to rest, relax, and help the patient to go to sleep.

a) They are used to bring relaxation to one who is unable to go to sleep.

b) On application, dry the Skin gently, with as little rubbing as possible.

c) To cool the patient, the treatment may be prolonged to allow for more evaporation.

d) Then, quietly cover and let him go to sleep.

Note:

* A person with a Fever may have a hot, dry Skin (because his/her body is not giving off heat as rapidly as it is being produced), or may have cold, clammy Skin (because his/her temperature regulating mechanism is not working properly, due to the Infection).

* The sponging will be different for hot, dry Skin than it will be for cold, clammy Skin.

* Always remember: When in a Fever, a person needs Water to drink.

What you will need

• A blanket (or extra sheet),
• A basin of Water,
• 2-3 rough surface towels,
• 1-2 washcloths (or a soft sea sponge),
• A hot Water bottle,
• A bath thermometer.

How to apply:

1) Cover the patient with a Cotton blanket, instead of the regular bed covers (so they will not become wet). Protect the bed with towels as each part is sponged.

2) Sponge one part at a time, in the following order: arms, chest, abdomen, legs, feet, and finally the back.

3) Sponge (each part with no rubbing or friction as the Water left on the Skin will evaporate, taking heat from the Fevered body).

4) When you have completed sponging each part, cover it with a dry towel and dry it lightly.

5) The Skin may be left slightly moist, unless he /she shows a tendency to chill. Be sure he is dry before his bedclothes are put on again.

6) Be certain that there are no drafts in the room during (or after) the sponging, and watch for a tendency for him to chill.

7) A hot-Water bottle may be placed at his feet if he is likely to chill easily afterward.

8) Take his temperature about 30 minutes later.