Reduction of skin bacterial load with use of the therapeutic whirlpool.

Effects of immersion time, water temperature, and three whirlpool treatment techniques on the reduction of bacterial load on the plantar surface of feet were examined. When cultures were taken before and after treatment, water temperature was found not to be a significant factor when removal of bacteria is the primary objective in a vascularly uncompromised limb. Maximum reduction of bacterial count in water at 37.7 degrees Celsius appeared to be obtained after immersion about twenty minutes. Although agitation of the water was significantly better than either spraying or soaking the foot, agitation followed by spraying was significantly better than any single technique in removing bacteria.