Hydrotherapy in the rehabilitation process in burned patients: a literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Hydrotherapy is defined as the use of water for medical purposes. When we use specifically mineral water, steam, gases or peloids we apply the terms “crenotherapy” or “balneotherapy”. Since the first half of the last century, water baths have been used for burns treatment, including scares care and pain alleviation, with modifications over time. Water, heated and enriched with specific minerals, to which antimicrobial solutions can be associated, has been applied through immersion baths, currently surpassed by water showers / jets, in order to reduce the risk of transmission of infections. Few examples of the use of thermal waters have also been reported.