Introduction
A medicated bath is a therapeutic bathing technique where specific medicinal agents are added to water to treat various skin conditions, infections, or inflammatory disorders. It’s often used in both hospital and home settings to promote healing and comfort.
Definition
Medicated bath is a therapeutic bath in which medication is dispersed in water. It is used for the treatments of dermatological disorder.
Types
| Types of Medicated Baths | |||
| Sl.no | Type | Agents | Purpose |
| 1. | Antibacterial | Potassium permanganate (1-2 teaspoons of crystals to half tub of water [1:10, 000 to 1:20, 000 solution, acetic acid, povidone iodine]). | To treat infected eczema, dirty ulceration, furunculosis, pemphigus. |
| 2. | Colloidal | Aveeno colloidal oat meal (soyaloid colloidal bath-52% proteins of soyabean).Aveeno colloidal oatmeal, oilated (35% of a mixture of lanolin derivatives and liquid petrolatum).Starch and baking soda (limit modified starch containing 1% boric acid).Starch and soda bath contains two parts of starch in one part of baking soda.Soyabean complex, oatmeal, and soda bath (contains mashed, boiled oatmeal in water with sodium bicarbonate, applied as thin paste all over the body). | To relieve pruritis and to soothe and coat irritated skin, oozing condition. |
| 3. | Emollient | Bath oils, chamomile, mineral oil. | To clean and hydrate the skin (dry skin condition). |
| 4. | Tar | Bath oils with tar, coal tar concentrate (coal tar solution or liquid carbonis detergents 3 ounces in half tub of water). | Used to treat scaly dermatose. Note: Coal tar concentrate in combination with UV light therapy loosens scales and relieves pruritis. |
Indications
- Psoriasis.
- Eczema.
- Allergic reaction.
- Itching.
- Insect bites.
- Arthritis pain.
- Skin irritation.
- Prickly heat.
- Wide spread dermatoses.
Contraindications
- Existing fever.
- Infectious lesions.
- Hypertension, cardiac diseases, diabetes mellitus, arteriosclerosis.
- Acute inflammatory injuries.
- Wet hands/fingers.
- Open wounds.
- Bleeding.
Complications
- General weakness from heat exposure
- Cardiovascular distress (e.g., irregular pulse)
- Skin irritation or allergic reaction to additives
Articles
| Articles | Purpose | |
| 1. | Bath tub. | To prepare solution. |
| 2. | Bath mat and rubber mat. | To avoid fall. |
| 3. | Bath thermometer. | To check temperature of water. |
| 4. | Therapeutic additive. | For cleansing of wound. |
| 5. | Measuring device. | Measure proper proportion. |
| 6. | Colander or sieve (oatmeal powder). | To hold powder. |
| 7. | Washed clothes (patient gown or loose fitting cotton pyjamas). | Patient to wear. |
| 8. | Towels (2). | To wipe. |
| 9. | Lubricating cream or ointment (if ordered). | To moisturize the skin. |
| 10. | Gloves. | To prevent cross contamination. |
| 11. | Bath wear or plastic apron. | Protection (if tar bath given). |
Procedure
| Nursing Action | Rationale | |
| 1. | Identify the patient with ID and patient’s name. | For correct treatment. |
| 2. | Check the physician order. | For accuracy. |
| 3. | Assess patient’s condition. | To determine need for bath. |
| 4. | Explain the procedure to the patient and obtain consent. | To gain trust, relieve anxiety. |
| 5. | Arrange the articles and place the bathmat near to the tub and tub over rubber mat. | To prevent fall. |
| 6. | Fill the tub with 6-8 inches or 15-20 cm of water at 95-100°F (35-37.5°C). Note: The treatment’s purpose and type of addictive used will determine temperature of water. | To prevent burns. |
| 7. | Measure the correct amount of therapeutic addictive according to doctor’s order or package instruction. | Approximate measurement, aids in healing. |
| 8. | As the tub is filled, thoroughly mix the additive in the water (if oatmeal, place the powder in sieve or colander under the tub faucet). | Additive to dissolve properly. |
| 9. | Ensure when giving a tar bath, wear a plastic apron or protective gown. | To prevent staining of clothes. |
| 10. | Ask the patient to remain in the medicated bathtub for 15-20 minutes and gently scrub the skin. | To apply all over the body. |
| 11. | After bath, assist the patient in drying the skin by patting (do not rub). | Moisture increases microorganism. |
| 12. | Apply the lubricant (if ordered). | To maintain skin integrity. |
| 13. | Provide fresh gown and make patient comfortable. | Enhances comfort. |
| 14. | Drain and disinfect the tub and replace the articles. | For further use. |
| 15. | Document the procedure (addictive used and any exudates seen in tub water, condition of skin or wound). | Proper recording of wound healing process. |
Special Considerations
- Assess skin integrity—avoid medicated baths on open wounds unless prescribed.
- Evaluate mobility and cognition to ensure the patient can safely enter and exit the bath.
- Use correct water temperature (usually lukewarm, ~37°C) to avoid burns or chilling.
- Dilute medications properly as per manufacturer or physician instructions.
- Ensure even distribution of the medicated agent in the water.
- Monitor for adverse reactions like itching, dizziness, or rash.
- Limit bath duration (typically 10–20 minutes) to prevent skin dryness or irritation.
- Maintain privacy and comfort, especially for vulnerable patients.
- Pat skin dry gently—do not rub, especially if skin is fragile.
- Apply prescribed topical treatments immediately after the bath if indicated.
- Document skin changes and patient response to the treatment.
- Use clean tubs or disposable basins to prevent cross-contamination.
- Avoid sharing bathwater between patients.
- Follow facility protocols for disposal of medicated solutions.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwers, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
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