Effects of Thermal Spring Bathing on Wound Healing
- VernacularTitle:創傷治癒における温泉の意義
- Author:
Hideo TSUJI
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:The Journal of The Japanese Society of Balneology, Climatology and Physical Medicine
1966;30(1-2):14-18
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
-
Abstract:
Effects of bathing in the thermal spring waters were investigated on healing of primarily closed wound. The simple thermal spring was employed in whole experimental and clinical observations.
In rats, tensile strength of sutured wounds were acceralated to some extent by bathing in the thermal spring waters. Moderately irritating effect of the spring waters, which results in a slightly elevated histamine formation and a capillary dilatation in the skin, was demonstrated as a possible mechanism.
Chemical irritants, when allpied to the experimental wound, delayed the gain of tensile strength. The hindrance thus produced was counteracted by bathing the rats in the thermal spring water.
Wound healing was delayed in the rats whose movements were restricted afer wound infliction, possibly due to the excessive adrenal irritation. Restoration of healing wound was observed when these restricted rats were subjected to the thermal bathing, 15 minuits, daily.
All these evidences showed that the thermal spring bathing be beneficial for healing of primarily closed wound.
Hence, clinical observations were undertaken on the selected group of 27 surgical patients including 15 gastrectomy cases. They were allowed to start full bathing on the 4th postoperative day. No attempt was made to keep water off from the operative wounds.
Respiration of the patients were acceralated as well as the circulatory functions, resulting in an elevated actual pH and a lowered pCO2. Expectoration of sputum was stimulated.
There were evidences indicating the adrenal cortical stimulation induced by the first postoperative bathing. From the viewpoint of Na/K ratio in urine, however, recovery from the postoperative catabolism was seemed rather promoted.
No adverse effect was found both in wound healing and in general convalescence. Remarkable improvement was observed in the patient's psychic states.
These findings may suggest the acceralating effect of early postoperative bathing on wound healing.
