Is the Hot Tub Safe? Who Benefits and Who Should Avoid It?

Who doesn’t enjoy a good, hot soak? Hot tubs can be a fun and relaxing way to decompress and soothe an achy body, and they might even offer some health benefits. Hot tubs can be great for achy bodies, stress relief and improved sleep quality. A hot soak may also have metabolic benefits. But there are some cases when hot tubs can do more harm than good, and some people should avoid them altogether. We have the details to help keep you safe.

Who Benefits?

People who want to relax and ease minor pains are likely to find a good soak is just what they need. Consumer Affairs reports that hot tub use reduces arthritis and fibromyalgia pain, improves sleep quality and lowers anxiety and stress levels. The act of floating can take the stress off achy backs and sore ligaments, and the warm water can help calm inflamed, sore muscles.

People who can’t exercise may find a hot soak is the next best thing. One study showed 60 minutes in 104-degree Fahrenheit water had the same effects as moderate cycling for the same length of time. This option may be especially helpful for people at risk for metabolic diseases and problems with glucose metabolism.

Who Should Use With Caution?

Hot water submersion can help lower blood sugar, so diabetics may also benefit greatly from hot tub use, but they should exercise caution. People with diabetic neuropathy may become burned without any awareness of the damage, which can open the door to slow-healing wounds and infections.

People with peripheral arterial disease may find soaking their legs in heated water helps their circulation, but only if they’re otherwise healthy. That said, hot tub use should be avoided by anyone at high risk for a heart attack.

Who Else Should Avoid Hot Tubs?

Beyond the heart attack risk, there are some instances when hot tubs can be downright dangerous. People taking diuretics and other medications that increase risks of dehydration or overheating shouldn’t soak in hot water. Pregnant women should also stay out to prevent potential heat damage to their unborn babies.

People with compromised immune systems may be at risk of contracting diseases from hot tubs, especially if they’re using communal tubs. The most common hot tub-related infection is “hot tub rash,” which causes tiny, red bumps from a bacterium called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bacterium can also cause urinary tract infections.

People with suppressed immune systems are also at risk of developing nontuberculous mycobacterial disease from infected hot tubs, which can cause severe lung infections and flu-like illness. Other serious potential pathogens also include norovirus, cryptosporidium and legionella, which is sometimes fatal.

If you’re unsure if you’re a good candidate for hot tub use, be sure to talk to your doctor. Hot tubs are a great option for healthy people looking to relax, reduce pain levels and improve circulation. Make sure to soak in well-maintained water, never enter a hot tub that looks dirty or is hotter than 104 degrees and get out if you feel overheated or dizzy.

Copyright 2019, Wellness.com