Precautions When Using a Steam Shower

‘Safety first’. As with most things, when not used correctly or abused a steam shower can cause harm. This article will touch on a number of different ways to stay safe when using a steam shower.

Steam Shower Precaution 1: Acclimatisation

When using a steam shower for the first time it is important to ease into the routine, not attempting to reach high temperatures immediately. First timers may have the inclination to stay in the steam shower for a long time as the experience is exciting and exhilarating, however, it is wise not to push the body too hard, therefore start off slowly.

Stay in the steam shower until your body tells you it’s time to stop. Listen to your body and don’t force it to stay in the steam shower longer than it feels comfortable. Everyone’s body is different: Therefore, it is hard to give one generic temperature that people can stay in the steam shower until. One can usually recognize when the body has had enough as you will start to feel uncomfortable. When this is the case, turn the steam function off and exit the steam shower. On your next steam shower session, follow the same procedure and listen to your body. Over time, as your body becomes acclimatized to the hot humid temperatures, you may be able to stay in the steam shower for longer and may be able to sustain higher temperatures.

Steam Shower Precaution 2: Food

While taking a steam shower it’s important not to bathe on an empty or a full stomach. On an empty stomach blood sugars may drop, causing the body to feel faint and weak. On the other hand it is important not to use a steam shower on a full stomach as blood, oxygen and water, which is used in cooling the body, is being used to digest the food. It is best to eat a light snack before using a steam shower.

Steam Shower Precaution 3: Hydration

The main effect a steam shower has on the body is to make it sweat. Sweating lowers the body’s water level, therefore it is critical to ensure one is well hydrated before and after a steam shower session. A deficiency in water can results in headaches and other problems. Prevent any problems and drink plenty of water before and after a steam shower session.

Steam Shower Precaution 4: Metal Jewellery, Contact Lenses

Temperatures in a steam shower can reach 44°C and above. These temperatures can cause metal jewellery to heat up and potentially burn the skin. Therefore, it is advised not to wear metal jewellery while using a steam shower. Contact lenses can also irritate the eyes while in the steam shower, therefore it is recommended to take them out before a steam session.

Steam Shower Precaution 5: Slipping

As with all showers and baths, it is possible to slip in a steam shower. Be careful when stepping in and out of the steam shower to avoid slipping.

Steam Shower Precaution 6: Rest

It’s important not to use a steam shower when your body is exhausted. A tired body cannot cope with the high temperatures of a steam shower as efficiently as a body that has a lot of energy. Ensure one is rested before using a steam shower.

Steam Shower Precaution 7: Fainting – Stand up slowly

Standing up to quickly and feeling faint has probably happened to most people at some time or another. It is especially important not to stand up too quickly in a steam shower as it may cause you to feel faint. Standing up quickly causes blood to drain from the head, which causes a faint feeling, or even causing the body to faint.

Steam Shower Precaution 8: Steam Outlet

The steam outlet on the steam shower is similar to a kettle in many ways. Water is boiled and is deposited into the steam shower through the steam generator. Steam is hotter than boiling water, therefore it is important to avoid contact with the steam outlet or be in close proximity to it while the steam function is operating.