The Health Risks and Precautions Of Steam Showers

What Is A Steam Shower?

Transform your shower experience into a stimulating, therapeutic escape with the luxurious POWER of steam. A steam generator releases billowing clouds of warm vapour that fill the cabin and create an invigorating atmosphere.

So soak in relaxation that can be beneficial for both BODY and MIND, all within the privacy and comfort of your own home.

History Of Steam Showers

For centuries, steam has been prized for its therapeutic qualities, specifically in ancient Roman and Turkish baths. However, the concept of the MODERN steam shower was not conceptualized until 1960s Europe, when it debuted as an indulgent spa experience.

During the 1980s, steam showers gained immense popularity in countries like the UK and beyond. With the advancement of technology, modern-day steam showers are now capable of producing much thicker VAPOURS and higher temperatures.

Health Risks Associated With Steam Showers

With all its potential benefits, steam showers can also pose certain HEALTH RISKS if used incorrectly. As with any activity involving heat and moisture, it is important to use caution and exercise good judgement while using a steam shower.

Some of the potential health risks include:

Overheating and dehydration

Steam showers can be a fantastic way to relax and UNWIND, but they have health risks that must be considered.

Excessively hot temperatures in the steam room environment can cause profuse sweating, which leads to DEHYDRATION if not monitored carefully - this is especially true for those who have medical conditions or are taking certain medications that affect temperature control and/or fluid levels.

To make sure you stay safe while enjoying your steam shower, it's important to take proper precautions BEFORE entering the room.

Skin irritation

The intense humidity in steam showers can cause skin troubles, particularly for those with SENSITIVE skin. To make matters worse, utilizing harsh soaps or other skin care products that remove the natural protective oils of your complexion may further irritate already vulnerable areas.

Respiratory problems

Steam showers may cause respiratory issues, particularly for those with existing respiratory disorders such as ASTHMA or COPD [2]. Excessive heat and humidity can irritate the airways, resulting in wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing, a very uncomfortable experience.

Dizziness and fainting

Another potential hazard of steam showers is the risk of becoming lightheaded or FAINTING. The intense heat combined with moisture can cause a drop in blood pressure due to dilated blood vessels, increasing susceptibility to feeling faint and even falling.

Cardiovascular issues

Those with existing cardiovascular issues such as HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE or heart disease must be especially vigilant when taking a steam shower.

The combined heat and humidity can be strenuous on the heart and vessels, which may potentially heighten the risk of STROKE or cardiac arrest in certain people [1].

Precautions To Take Before Using A Steam Shower

Now that you know the potential risks associated with steam showers, it’s time to look at safety precautions and best practices for using them. Before entering a steam shower, make sure you:

Consultation With A Physician

Before utilizing a steam shower, you must contact your physician for advice, especially if you have medical conditions or are taking MEDICATIONS that could meddle with the body's capacity to regulate temperature and hydration.

Pro Tip: Your physician can advise you on whether or not a steam shower is suitable for your individual needs and provide directions to use it securely.

Proper Hydration

Taking a steam shower can be beneficial for your health and well-being. However, it's vital to stay hydrated before and after. Ensure to drink ENOUGH water before the session. Otherwise, dehydration is inevitable.

If you already feel unwell or dehydrated prior to taking a steam shower, then it would be best NOT to use one at that time until you are feeling better again.

Set The Temperature And Time Limit Appropriately

For maximum safety and well-being, it is essential to set the TEMPERATURE and duration of your session appropriately.

According to most professionals, a setting between 43-44 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes should do the trick [3]. This can help prevent any potential overheating or other health risks.

Avoid Alcohol Consumption Before And After Steam Showers

If you're looking to feel your best after a steam shower, it's recommended that you steer CLEAR of alcohol for several hours before and after.

Not only can drinking alcohol increase the risk of dehydration but there are also other potential health complications as well. Stay safe by avoiding spirits until later.

Limit Steam Shower Frequency

To ensure that you don't become overly exposed to the intense heat and humidity of a steam shower, LIMIT your sessions.

Health professionals typically suggest that those with good physical fitness should only use steam showers ONCE or TWICE weekly, depending on individual tolerance levels.

Precautions To Take While Using A Steam Shower

When utilizing a steam shower, there are certain precautions that you should take to ensure your SAFETY and comfort. These include:

Start Slow

When steaming, it's imperative to start off SLOW and augment the temperature level and session length progressively. Doing so allows your body to get used to the heat and humidity while simultaneously minimizing any risks of overheating or other health hazards.

Use A Shower Seat

Shower seats are essential for anyone who feels lightheaded or unwell during bathing, allowing them to REST and stabilize themselves.

Not only do they help with dizziness or FAINTING SPELLS, but they also decrease the risk of falls while in the shower considerably – making them an indispensable tool for safe hygiene.

Keep Your Head And Face Cool

To protect your lungs and body temperature, keeping your head & face COOL when using a steam shower is of utmost importance. You can do this by wrapping yourself in a damp cloth or towel, as well as stepping out to inhale fresh air periodically.

Keep The Shower Door Slightly Open

To enjoy a pleasant and robust atmosphere in the steam shower, it is critical to keep the door OPEN for ventilation. This will stabilize temperature and humidity levels, minimizing potential risks of overheating or other medical problems.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions You Should Avoid A Steam Shower

There are some pre-existing medical conditions and medications that can make a steam shower unsafe. People with the following CONDITIONS or taking the following medications should consult with their physician before using a steam shower:

1. Cardiovascular conditions: People with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or arrhythmias should be cautious when using a steam shower, as the heat and humidity can increase the workload on the heart and blood vessels.
2. Respiratory conditions: People with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should also be cautious when using a steam shower, as the hot and humid environment can irritate the airways and make it more difficult to breathe.
3. Diabetes: People with diabetes should be cautious when using a steam shower, as heat and humidity can affect blood sugar levels and increase the risk of dehydration.
4. Medications: Certain medications, such as diuretics, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications, can affect the body's ability to regulate temperature and fluid levels, making it more difficult to tolerate the heat and humidity of a steam shower.

Generally, it is always a good idea to consult with a physician before using a steam shower, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications that may affect your body's response to heat and humidity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, steam showers offer a plethora of benefits in terms of health and wellness. However, it is essential to take the necessary safety precautions to ensure that your showering experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Consulting with your physician beforehand, drinking plenty of fluids before & after the session and setting an appropriate temperature and duration are all key parts of using a steam shower safely.

Following these guidelines, you can look forward to a relaxing and healthy steaming experience each time.

Sources -

1. Hot. Hot weather and your heart. British Heart Foundation. Published 2022. Accessed March 6, 2023. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/practical-support/weather-and-your-heart
2. World. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Who.int. Published May 20, 2022. Accessed March 6, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-(copd)
3. Super User. What is the Best Temperature for a Steam Shower, Steam Room, Infrared Sauna, and more. Steam-sauna.com. Published 2023. Accessed March 6, 2023. http://steam-sauna.com/blog/what-is-the-best-temperature-for-a-steam-shower-steam-room-infrared-sauna-and-more.html