Infrared Sauna Dangers

There are two types of saunas: conventional and infrared. The former warms the air whereas the latter uses various materials like charcoal, active carbon fibers, etc., to warm the person. Since infrared sauna is a relatively new technique, people often wonder about the possible dangers and negative effects involved in the process.

Since saunas are known to relax and rejuvenate people, there are many who get addicted to it. Following are risks associated with the use of infrared powered sauna:

• Since excessive heat is used to heat up the person's body, it may lead to dehydration due to excessive sweating. Excessive sweating leads to loss of essential minerals and fluids from the body.

• Infrared sauna uses radiation continuously. This radiation may be harmful for the body if one is exposed to it for a long period or on a regular basis.

• Overheating may cause heat exhaustion or a heat stroke.
• Infrared heat may hamper the absorption of some types of medication. Therefore, it is important to consult your healthcare professional before you indulge yourself in this relaxation therapy.

• Similarly, if you have implants, it is vital to consult your healthcare professional to avoid any adverse effects on them.
• The skin closest to the sauna may get reddened due to increased blood flow to that area.
• The skin may begin to lose its glow with repeated use of this heat therapy. Therefore, it should be used moderately.

• A sauna may aggravate any joint injury. Therefore, it is advisable that no heat treatment is given for a minimum 48 hours after the injury.
• A pregnant woman should steer clear of a sauna as heat may cause discomfort and complications to her condition.

• People with fever should avoid this heat treatment since the infrared heat may raise the body temperature to dangerous levels.

• People with hemophilia should not undergo any kind of sauna sessions as it may be fatal to them.
• People with respiratory disorders should consult their doctors before they opt for sauna therapy since it may give rise to breathing problems due to excess heat.

• Similarly, people with heart ailments should take medical advice before this heat therapy since the excess heat may be detrimental to the heart and may become fatal.

To avoid the dangers stemming from the use of infrared saunas, it is important that one does not get addicted to it. The other precaution which may be taken is to use partial exposure to the sauna rather than complete exposure to it.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.