Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the effects of skin surface pH, amounts of sebum, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) , skin surface temperature and subjective evaluations on various types of bed baths, using a crossover design. Fifteen healthy adult volunteers participated in this study. Skin surface temperature increased and ATP levels declined regardless of the nature of the bed bath. Rates of ATP reductions were lower after bed baths using baking soda compared with those using hot towels and soap. The skin surface pH was ＜6.0, indicating an antibacterial effect of bed baths using hot towels, soap, and a skin cleanser. These pH findings were the same as those of bathing. Subjective evaluations found that all of the bed baths were refreshing and comfortable. Based on these findings, we recommend bed baths using hot towels or soap according to dirty of skin, and skin care after bed baths.
