Are Infrared Saunas Safe?

Infrared sauna veteran or a newcomer, for a truly enjoyable and secure experience, you need to be well-informed on safety issues. This guide addresses all essentials to help you make your infrared sauna time as safe as possible. From clothing choices to health considerations and when to avoid sauna use, we've got you covered. Enhance your sauna experience while prioritizing your safety.

General Precautions

Whether you're a regular sauna-goer or trying it for the first time, these safety tips will help you make the most of your sauna experience while minimizing potential risks.

Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is key. Make sure you're well-hydrated before, during, and after your sauna session. This is especially important as saunas can lead to fluid and electrolyte [1] loss. Skip alcohol and caffeine before sauna sessions to reduce the risk of dehydration, which can be exacerbated by these substances.

What to Wear for Comfort and Safety

In private or designated nude saunas, going nude is common and beneficial for even heat distribution. Use a towel for sitting or lying down for hygiene. If nudity isn't an option, choose loose, minimal clothing in natural fibers like cotton. This allows your skin to breathe and withstands heat without discomfort. Consider lightweight cotton garments or a swimsuit. Avoid tight, synthetic materials which can be uncomfortable, emit odors, or release harmful substances when heated.

Jewelry

It's advisable to remove jewelry before you enter the sauna. Metals can conduct heat, potentially leading to burns or discomfort.

Contact Lenses and Eyewear

While it's best to remove contact lenses to avoid discomfort from the heat and sweating, eyeglasses are generally safe to wear.

EMF Radiation

Check the sauna's EMF (Electric and Magnetic Fields) ratings, and opt for models with low EMF emissions if possible. Consult the manufacturer or product specifications for this information.

Eye Protection

Infrared saunas that emit near-infrared or full-spectrum infrared waves may necessitate the use of eye protection. Protect your eyes with appropriate goggles or shields to eliminate the chance of eye damage.

Begin with Shorter Sessions

If you're new to infrared saunas, start with shorter durations and gradually increase as your body becomes accustomed. This gradual approach helps in understanding your tolerance and prevents heat overexposure.

Listen to Your Body

Be aware of how you feel during the sauna. Symptoms like nausea, lightheadedness, or heavy sweating are cues to leave the sauna immediately to prevent overheating or dehydration [2].

Health Conditions and Infrared Sauna Use

Infrared saunas can affect people differently, depending on their health status. Below are key considerations for those with specific health conditions. Please note that while we address the most common health conditions, not all possible conditions are listed here. It's essential to do your own research if your specific health condition is not covered.

Cardiovascular Diseases

While sauna use may benefit people with a stable heart disease, caution is advised for conditions like severe aortic stenosis, recent heart attack, unstable angina, or a history of stroke. All the same, if you have any heart condition or are in doubt, consult your healthcare provider before using (infrared) saunas.

Respiratory Issues

Individuals with asthma or chronic bronchitis should approach sauna use cautiously, as it can either improve or worsen respiratory symptoms.

Skin Conditions

Sauna use has varying effects on different skin conditions, with some conditions worsening while others may find relief. If you have inflammatory skin issues like eczema, be cautious as sweating in the sauna may worsen symptoms. Monitor your skin's response and consider sauna sessions once your condition improves.

Mobility-Impaired

Individuals with mobility or balance issues should use saunas with extra caution. Supervised sessions are recommended to reduce the risks of falls or injuries. 

Eye Conditions

Those with glaucoma or other eye conditions should exercise caution. Sauna heat and the potential for increased blood pressure may affect intraocular pressure.

Cancer Patients

It's essential for individuals undergoing cancer treatment to consult their oncologist before using a sauna. The high heat's effect on cancer cells and possible interactions with cancer treatments require careful consideration.

For a personalized and safe sauna experience, it's wise to seek advice from your healthcare provider.

Special Considerations for Infrared Sauna Use

Certain groups and circumstances require special attention to ensure safety.

Pregnancy and Fertility

For pregnant women, especially during the first trimester, and those trying to conceive, caution is crucial. Sauna heat can pose risks by elevating body temperature. Consult your healthcare provider to understand any potential impacts.

Children and the Elderly

Children, due to their developing thermoregulation, and the elderly, who might have diminished heat tolerance, should use saunas under careful supervision. The elderly, in particular, may have chronic health conditions or medications that affect their response to heat.

Individuals with Implants

If you have medical implants, like pacemakers or silicone implants, check with your doctor before sauna use. Heat can affect the functioning of some implants and the condition of surgical sites.

Post-Surgery Recovery

Post-operative patients should discuss sauna use with their doctor. The heat can interact with healing processes and post-surgical conditions, potentially affecting recovery.

Injury Considerations

If you have an injury, be cautious in the sauna. Heat increases blood flow and inflammation, which might worsen the injury. It can also alter pain perception and relax muscles excessively, leading to further strain. Heat's impact on healing and the body's heat regulation should be carefully considered.

When to Avoid Sauna Use

While saunas offer various benefits, there are situations where it's best to avoid them. 

Health Conditions

As mentioned earlier, consulting your healthcare provider is advisable if you have specific health conditions, or if you are in doubt about your physical well-being.

Fever

If you have a fever, it's best to skip the sauna. The combination of fever and sauna heat can be risky due to elevated body temperatures. 

Infections

When you have infections, particularly those accompanied by fever or inflammation, it's best to avoid sauna use, as the heat can worsen symptoms and potentially prolong the recovery process.

Author: Sam Everhart

References

1. Isha Shrimanker and  Sandeep Bhattarai, in StatPearls, Electrolytes, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31082167/

2. Dehydration, Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086

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