WET SHEET PACK

1. Definition
A wet sheet pack is a procedure in which is the
patient is wrapped in a wet sheet, outside of which
are dry blanket coverings to regulate evaporation
and to control the temperature.
2. Stages:
1. Cooling Pack
2. Neutral Pack
3. Heating Pack
4. Sweating Pack
3. Equipment
1. Material for a hot foot bath
2. Material for a cold compress
3. One of two woollen blankets
4. Two large sheets
5. Bucket of cold water (15-20°C)
6. One Turkish (bath) towel
7. Fomentations, hot water bottle, or infra-red
lamp
4. Procedure
 The effects of a wet sheet pack are obtained by
regulations of evaporation and control of
temperature.
 The wet sheet pack must come in close contact
with the skin in all areas.
 Mitre dry blanket at neck and shoulder to
prevent entrance of air and chilling.
5. Treatment
NOTE: The following procedure of wrapping sheet
and blankets applies to all stages
The entire body must be warm before the pack is
applied -- if not, precede pack with a heating
treatment such as a hot tub bath, hot spray, or hot
foot bath.
 Place one or two woollen blanket lengthwise on
the treatment table. The upper end should cover the
lower half of the pillow.
 Spread the wet sheet out upon the blanket, so
that the upper end will be a little below the upper
edge of the blanket.
 Have nude patient lie down on wet sheet with
shoulders 8-10 cm below the top edge of the sheet.
Work quickly.
 Wrap the wet sheet around the body (under the
arms) and tuck in on opposite side. Be sure the sheet
is in contact with the skin.
 Below the hips the sheet is wrapped around the
leg on the same side.
 Wrap the wet sheet from the other side over
both arms and around the leg on that side.
 Be sure no air pockets or loose places occur.
Check the neck and arm areas.
 Mitre the blanket and wrap around the
shoulders, arms and legs.
 Wrap the other side in the same manner and
tuck under the body.
 Be sure the feet are thoroughly. If necessary
place a hot water bottle to the feet, wrapped in a
towel, to hasten the warming reaction.
 Cover the patient with additional blankets.
 Place a Turkish towel around the neck to protect
the face and neck from the wool blanket and to
exclude air.
 . Duration is according to the effect desired.
1. Cooling stage used to reduce fevers: Leave
person in pack for about 20 minutes or until
they feel a general flow and sensation of comfort
and wellbeing.
2. Neutral stage used to induce drowsiness: Leave
person in pack for about 1 hour or until person
awakens.
3. Heating stage used to induce sweating: Leave
person in pack until they start perspiring. Then
it may be continued for another 1 to 2 hours.
COMPLETION OF THE TREATMENT
 4. End treatment with a warm shower or warm
water sponge. Then have patient rest 1/2 hour
at least.
6. Physiologic Effects
1. Cooling stage - The first 5-12 minutes of the
pack before the sheet has been warmed to body
temperature. Body heat is removed by
evaporation - reduces fevers.
2. Neutral stage - When the sheet reaches or
slightly exceeds skin temperature, the amount of
blood in the brain is lessened (by deprivation),
thereby tending to induce sleep.
3. Heating stage - When the warming of the pack
causes skin temperature to rise, the blood
vessels in the skin dilate and draw blood away
from congested organs.

7. Indications
1. Cooling stage - Antipyretic to reduce Fevers
2. Neutral stage
- Insomnia, Mania, Delirium, Restlessness,
Nervous Exhaustion,
Nervous Indigestion, Hypopepsia.
3. Heating and Sweating stage - when the warming
of the pack causes the skin temperature to rise,
 the blood vessels in the skin dilate and draw
blood away from the congested organs. Used to
treat Alcoholism, Tobacco recovery, Gout, Bronc
hitis, Common Cold, Influenza, Jaundice,
(Measles, Scarlet Fever -- to help develop
the Eruptions).
8. Contraindications
1. Diabetes or others with poor circulation.
2. Very weak patients with severe colds or
influenza
3. Feeble persons
4. Skin eruptions
9. Precautions:
 the wet sheet must closely contact the body all
over
 The dry blanket must prevent air entering and
thus chilling
 "Warming-up" must occur promptly
 Feet must be kept warm throughout the
treatment. Use a Hot Water Bottle if reaction is slow.