This bath is administered in two ways; with the sheet very wet, or
dripping, and with it wrung nearly dry. The first method is frequently
called the dripping-sheet bath. In giving it, proceed as follows:—
When necessary to prevent injury to the floor or carpet, place upon the
floor a large rug or oilcloth. In the center, place a large wash-tub, in
the absence of a more convenient vessel. While the patient is making
himself ready for the bath, procure two large cotton sheets. Gather one
end of each into folds so that it can be easily and quickly spread out;
lay one upon a chair close at hand, and place the other in the tub. At a
distance of three or four feet from the tub, place a low stool. Now
place in the tub—if a bath at about 93° is desired, and this will be the
most usual temperature—half a pailful of fresh well or spring water, and
one-third as much boiling water. If a thermometer is at hand it should,
of course, be used to test the temperature. After the patient has wet
his head, let him step into the tub, facing the assistant, with his arms
straight and pressed closely to his sides. Now draw up the wet sheet by
its gathered end to its full length; draw out one side quickly, place
the corner over one shoulder of the patient, and while holding it in
place with one hand, quickly draw the remainder of the sheet around him
with the other, bringing it up well around the neck, and folding the
second corner under the top so as to hold it in place. But a few seconds
should be occupied in applying the sheet. Then commence rubbing the
patient vigorously with both hands, one upon each side, rubbing to and
fro three or four times in each place, passing over the whole body very
rapidly, and then repeating the same, to prevent chilling of any part.
Coarse, robust, and phlegmatic people may be rubbed with a good deal of
severity; but persons with delicate skin and acute sensibilities require
gentler manipulation.
After three or four minutes of energetic rubbing, pour over the chest
and shoulders a pailful of water four or five degrees cooler than that
of the bath, which should be in readiness for instant use. Then rub two
or three minutes longer. Now quickly disengage the wet sheet, allowing
it to drop into the tub. While the patient is stepping upon the stool,
quickly grasp the dry sheet, and by the time he is in place, have him
enveloped in it. Rub him dry, passing over the whole body several times
in rapid succession, to prevent chilling. Care must be taken that every
part is thoroughly dried. The head, armpits, groins, and feet are liable
to escape attention. No moisture should be left between the toes. After
wiping nearly or quite dry, apply the hand-rubbing, as elsewhere
described, using care not to induce perspiration by too vigorous or
long-continued rubbing. If the skin should become moist from
perspiration after having been once dried, gradually lower the
temperature of the room and continue light rubbing until the skin
becomes dry and cool before allowing the patient to dress.
Very few baths afford a better opportunity for the display of skill and
energy on the part of the attendant than this. Some practice is required
to enable one to give it really well.
The other form of rubbing wet-sheet is given in about the same manner,
the only difference being that the sheet is wrung before its
application, and is re-applied one or more times, according as a milder
or more severe form of treatment is required. The douche may be reserved
until the sheet is removed the last time.
One precaution especially necessary to be observed in this bath, as well
as in all others where a tepid application is succeeded by a cooler one,
is frequently overlooked. _The second cooler application should never be
made until there is good reaction from the first._
This is an excellent bath to apply after packs or warm baths which have
induced perspiration, as hot-air and vapor baths. It is especially
applicable to cases in which there is defective circulation in the
extremities, torpid skin and liver, and nervousness. It is of special
benefit in cases of debility accompanied by night sweats.