A paraffin bath treatment uses warm oil-based wax to provide pain relief to hands, feet and sore joints and muscles. This treatment has skin-softening benefits as well. A paraffin bath soothes chronic joint pain and relaxes stiff muscles, and improves blood flow to the treated area. It increases range of motion for people with arthritis, bursitis and other chronic conditions that cause pain and stiffness. Paraffin bath treatments also smooth and soften dry, chapped, rough and scaly skin. It can be helpful for chronic skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis.