A lotion application compartment (10) includes an apparatus for topical application of a fluid to a human or animal body. The apparatus includes a spray nozzle (20) and a support (80) for the body. The apparatus further comprises of one or more of the following: a structure for moving the support, so as to change the distance between the body and the spray nozzle (20); a structure for varying the spray pattern, spray pressure, spray frequency and/or spray duty cycle of the nozzle (20); a structure for varying the rotational speed of the support (80); and a structure for raising the body's skin temperature directly by radiation. A lotion application compartment (10) consisting of apparatus for topical application of a fluid to a human or animal body, the apparatus comprising a spray nozzle (20) and a support (80) for the body. The apparatus further includes of one or more of the following: a structure for moving the support, so as to change the distance between the body and the spray nozzle (20); a structure for varying the spray pattern, spray pressure, spray frequency and/or spray duty cycle of the nozzle (20); a structure for varying the rotational speed of the support (80); and a structure for raising the body's skin temperature directly by radiation.