Dangers of the Sauna
While saunas offer numerous health benefits, they also come with potential risks. Let’s explore some concerns associated with sauna use.
Burns
In Finland, there is at least one case of a sauna burn requiring hospitalization every day, with one out of four burns being sauna-related. Most burns are minor contact burns from accidentally touching the heater or other hot surfaces, but some can be severe or even fatal. For instance, a 64-year-old man in Germany died in 2007 after falling face-first onto a sauna stove.
Sauna burns can also occur from exposure to hot air, which often reaches 190°F or higher. While the uncomfortable burning sensation typically prompts people to leave the sauna, serious burns can still happen, penetrating all skin layers and necessitating aggressive medical intervention, sometimes even leading to amputations. To avoid such incidents, it’s crucial not to drink alcohol and pass out in the sauna.
Reproductive Effects
Men looking to conceive should reconsider using saunas, as increased body and testicle temperatures can reduce sperm count. This effect, though reversible, may take time to normalize. A study showed that sperm count decreased within a week of sauna exposure and did not return to normal for five weeks. Pregnant women should also be cautious, as using a sauna during early pregnancy may cause embryonic or fetal abnormalities.
May Not Kill All Harmful Organisms
The warm, moist environment of a sauna can be a breeding ground for organisms. Fungal infections like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus can spread easily in these conditions. The Journal of the American Medical Association reported a case where a young man developed fever, chills, shortness of breath, and fatigue after regularly using a sauna. The cause was mold contamination in the water he used to pour over the sauna heater.
Don’t Drink the Water!
While the heat and sweating in a sauna make you thirsty, be cautious about the water you drink. Some saunas use well water or nonpotable water meant for washing, not drinking. A study by Algeria’s Université Djillali-Liabès found that 50% of the water in ten Turkish baths in Sidi-Bel-Abbes had fecal contamination.
Don’t Use a Sauna to Lose Weight
Contrary to popular belief, saunas do not “melt away the pounds.” The weight loss experienced in a sauna is mostly water weight, which is neither effective nor reliable for weight control. Despite this, some people misuse saunas for weight loss. In 1991, a report from the University of Minnesota Medical School highlighted 14 bulimic patients who used saunas excessively as a weight-control method. This practice, combined with diuretic and laxative abuse, led to severe dehydration.
Resist the Polar Plunge
Many people enjoy the stimulating effect of plunging into snow or ice water after a sauna. However, this sudden temperature change is not safe for everyone, particularly those with cardiovascular issues. In 1998, Japan’s St. Marianna University School of Medicine reported a case where a patient suffered a heart attack after transitioning from a sauna to cold water.
Death
Your body is designed to operate at around 98.7°F, and a core temperature rise to 105°F is a medical emergency. Therefore, enduring sauna temperatures over 190°F for too long is dangerous. Saunas should be relaxing, not used as an endurance test. In 2010, during the World Sauna Championships, Russian finalist Vladimir Ladyzhensky died from extreme heat exposure.
Avoid Concerns — Use the Sauna Safely
Using a sauna regularly can greatly rejuvenate your mind and body, as long as it is done safely. The Canadian Sauna Society states that saunas are generally safe for healthy individuals. However, it’s important to be cautious: don’t stay in longer than comfortable, stay hydrated, leave if you feel unwell, and never think it can’t happen to you. One crucial safety measure is to avoid combining sauna use with alcohol, as this can lead to serious health emergencies, including cardiac arrhythmias. Moreover, the risk of complications extends to the hangover phase, so it’s wise to avoid the sauna if you’ve been drinking.
