Effect of different methods of thermotherapy on skin microcirculation.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of different methods of thermotherapy on skin microcirculation, skin temperature, and core temperature in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in healthy persons.

Design: In 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 20 healthy controls, the skin microcirculation was measured by means of laser-Doppler flowmetry before, at the end of, and 30 mins after completion of local thermotherapy (infrared light, paraffin, peat) in the lumbar area. In addition, skin and core temperature were recorded at the same point in time.