Bath, Cold

Syn. Balneum frig′idum (-frĭj′-), Frigid a′′rium , L.; Bain froid , Fr. Water, fresh, saline, or mineral, at a temperature varying from 33° to about 75°; but usually understood to apply to water between 50° and 70° Fahr. When below 50° it is considered very cold. At a temperature ranging from 60° to about 75° it is commonly used by the healthy and vigorous as a luxury, and for cleanline . “The immediate effects of the cold bath are a sensation of cold (speedily followed by one of warmth), contraction of the cutaneous ve els, palene of the skin, diminution of perspiration, and reduction of the volume of the body. Shivering, and, as the water rises to the chest, a kind of convulsive sobbing, are also experienced. Continued immersion renders the pulse small, and ultimately imperceptible, and the respiration difficult and irregular. A feeling of inactivity succeeds; the joints become rigid and inflexible; pain in the head, drowsine , and cramps, come on; the temperature of the body falls rapidly; and faintne , followed by death, ensues.” “Its primary effects constitute the SHOCK —its secondary effects, the REACTION or GLOW .” [113] Hence it is that immersion of the body in water below about 65° Fahr. cannot be tolerated for any length of time without such a lo of animal heat as frequently to induce highly sedative and depre ing effects, from which the constitution does not readily recover. Water at a temperature of below about 50° Fahr. can only be safely used as a plunge-bath. The sedative effects of sea and mineral waters is much than that of pure water, or of spring or river water. [113] Pereira, ‘Mat. Med. and Therap.,’ 4th ed., i, 29. The cold bath, medically considered, is tonic, stimulant, and restorative, when judiciously taken, and when not too long continued or too often repeated. When beneficial, the patient feels a pleasant glow on the surface of the body immediately following it. If a sensation of coldne or shivering ensues, it acts injuriously, and should not be repeated. The duration of the immersion may vary from 2 to 15 minutes, the precise time depending upon the temperature of the water and the feelings of the bather; the longer period being only proper in fine weather, and when accompanied by swimming or violent exercise. As a remedial agent, the cold bath is principally recommended to increase the tone and vigour of the system; and is contra-indicated when there is a tendency to apoplexy, or to chronic affections, functional or organic, of the heart, lungs, or kidneys. It should never be taken when the person feels chilly, languid, or depre ed; or if drowsine and shivering follow it. The temperature of the water of the rivers and the coasts of England ranges, in summer, from 55° to 70 or 72° Fahr.