Soaking in hot springs is a well-known beneficial method for health. This is because hot spring water is rich in many trace elements that are beneficial to the human body. These trace elements have certain effects on neuralgia, fatigue relief, arthritis, and beauty. Moreover, hot springs are non-invasive and have no toxic side effects. They not only relax the body but also have a therapeutic effect in treating diseases, which caters to the modern pursuit of health, green, and natural lifestyle. Therefore, in recent years, soaking in hot springs has become a fashionable leisure concept. When the weather turns cooler, the number of people going to hot springs increases significantly, and many well-known hot spring resorts are crowded during holidays.
Dermatologists also point out that one should be cautious about skin diseases when soaking in hot springs. There have been clinical cases of "hot spring dermatitis" caused by soaking in hot springs. Whether soaking in hot springs or taking a hot bath, the dead skin on the surface of the skin will fall off due to water absorption, and the stratum corneum will become thinner. This is why taking a hot bath can wash away sebum. However, at this time, the skin will also lose its protection, making it easier for moisture to evaporate. Meanwhile, if the skin is immersed in hot and highly acidic hot spring water for a long time, it will be irritated by sulfur or minerals in the spring water, causing dryness and itching.
Diabetic patients who have received insulin injections should not soak in hot springs. This is because soaking in hot springs can accelerate the absorption of insulin, and prolonged overheating of the body will increase energy consumption and burden the heart, which may lead to accidents.
When soaking in hot springs, one should pay attention to the following: the initial soaking time should be no more than 3-10 minutes, and then gradually extend the soaking time after the body adapts to the temperature of the spring water. The maximum soaking time should not exceed 30 minutes. The ideal number of soakings per day is 2-3 times. In addition, it is important to replenish fluids or drink electrolyte-containing beverages while soaking in hot springs to prevent heat exhaustion or heat cramps caused by electrolyte imbalance.
Editor's note:
There are several situations where bathing is not suitable. First, it is not advisable to bathe when hungry, overly fatigued, or after a full meal. Second, women should not soak in a bathtub during menstruation. Third, patients with severe heart disease, hypertension, etc., should pay special attention to choosing suitable bathing methods. Fourth, people with open wounds, infectious lesions, advanced age, or weak constitution are absolutely not suitable for medicated baths and fumigation.
