Soaking in hot springs is a well-known beneficial method of health preservation for the body. This is because hot springs are rich in many beneficial trace elements for human health. These trace elements have certain effects on neuralgia, fatigue relief, arthritis, and beauty. Furthermore, hot springs are non-invasive and have no toxic side effects. They not only relax the body but also have a therapeutic effect on various diseases. Additionally, hot springs cater to the modern pursuit of health, green living, and nature. Therefore, in recent years, soaking in hot springs has become a fashionable leisure concept. When the weather turns cooler, the number of people soaking in hot springs increases significantly, and many well-established hot spring resorts are crowded during holidays.
Dermatology experts also point out that when soaking in hot springs, one should also be cautious about skin diseases. There have been clinical cases of skin diseases caused by soaking in hot springs, medically known as "hot spring dermatitis." Whether soaking in hot springs or taking hot baths, the dead skin on the surface of the skin will fall off due to water absorption, and the stratum corneum will become thinner as a result. This is also the reason why hot baths can remove sebum. However, at this time, the skin will lose its protective barrier, making it easier for moisture to evaporate. At the same time, 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 hot spring water, causing dryness and itching.
Diabetic patients who have injected insulin should avoid soaking in hot springs. This is because soaking in hot springs can accelerate the absorption of insulin, and prolonged overheating of the body can increase energy consumption and burden the heart, leading to accidents.
When soaking in hot springs, attention should be paid to the following: initially, the soaking time should be kept between 3-10 minutes, and then gradually increase the soaking time as the body adjusts to the temperature of the hot spring water. Each session should not exceed 30 minutes. The optimal number of soakings per day is 2-3 times. Additionally, it is important to drink plenty of water or electrolyte-rich beverages while soaking in hot springs to prevent heat exhaustion or heat cramps caused by electrolyte imbalance.
A friendly reminder from the editor:
There are several situations where bathing is not advisable. First, bathing should be avoided when hungry, excessively fatigued, or right after a meal. Second, women should not soak in a tub during menstruation. Third, patients with severe heart diseases, hypertension, and other conditions should pay special attention to selecting appropriate bathing methods. Fourth, people with open wounds, infectious lesions, advanced age, or weak constitution are absolutely not suitable for medicinal baths and steaming.
