The role of medical paraffin oil

We have introduced before that liquid paraffin is also widely used in some medical industries. There are some differences between medical paraffin and other chemical paraffins. Its physical properties must meet certain requirements before it can be used as medical paraffin. So, do you know what the function of medical paraffin oil is? In addition to being used to make medicines to relieve constipation, medical paraffin oil also has functions such as improving blood circulation.

1. How to use medical paraffin

Medical paraffin can be used in paraffin therapy, and paraffin therapy can be performed by several methods, including wax brushing, wax dipping, and wax cake.

Melt the wax completely over low heat, then allow to cool. In order to make the surface and bottom layers of the wax block solidify at the same time, you can add some cold water into the pan. Water is heavier than wax and will sink to the bottom of the pan. When the wax on the surface and bottom layers are almost solidified, pour out the water and wipe dry, spread a piece of plastic or rubber cloth on the table or bed, pour the wax block on the cloth, and wrap the area that needs treatment; use a blanket to keep warm for 30-60 minutes, then peel off the paraffin and it can be used repeatedly.

2. The role of medical paraffin

In paraffin therapy, the thermal penetration of paraffin can reach 0.2-1 cm deep into the subcutaneous tissue. It has a large heat capacity and low thermal conductivity. Even if the temperature is as high as 60-75°C, it will not cause skin burns. It dissipates heat slowly and keeps warm for a long time, which can reach 2 to 8 hours. After wax therapy, local small blood vessels dilate, which can improve blood circulation, metabolism and relieve muscle spasms. As the temperature of the locally applied paraffin wax decreases, the volume can gradually decrease by about 10%. Therefore, wax therapy has a gentle mechanical compression effect on the local area, thereby preventing the leakage of lymph and blood in the tissue, and has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and detumescent effects on the joints. It has a good effect on the chronic stage of rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Factors affecting paraffin therapy

3.1. Warming effect

Paraffin wax has a large heat capacity, low thermal conductivity, no heat convection characteristics, and does not contain water. It releases a large amount of heat energy (melting heat or condensation heat) when cooled. Therefore, it can make human body tissues tolerate higher temperatures (55-70℃) and lasting thermal effects, which is superior to other thermal therapies. It is generally believed that after paraffin wax is applied to the human body, the local temperature quickly rises by 8-12℃. After a period of time, it gradually decreases, but the temperature drops very slowly and maintains a certain temperature within 60 minutes.

3.2 Compression

The inherent properties of paraffin are good plasticity and viscosity. During the cooling process, the volume of the paraffin gradually shrinks, and during treatment it comes into close contact with the skin, causing compression and slight squeezing of the tissue. This promotes the transfer of temperature to deep tissues, exerting a mechanical compression effect.

3.3 Chemical action

Paraffin has very little chemical effect on the body. Experiments have shown that its chemical effect depends on the content of mineral oil in paraffin. For example, when chemical substances or oily substances are added to paraffin for treatment, chemical effects can be exhibited. If radioactive substances are added, paraffin can become radioactive.

Physical properties of medical paraffin

Medical paraffin, usually fully refined paraffin and semi-refined paraffin, is a white, odorless waxy solid that melts at 47°C-64°C and has a density of about 0.9g/cm3. It is soluble in non-polar solvents such as gasoline, carbon disulfide, xylene, ether, benzene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, and naphtha, but insoluble in polar solvents such as water and methanol.