Possible disadvantages of an infrared sauna / infrared cabin
Infrared saunas are small cabins with infrared emitters. These emitters emit infrared radiant heat that is directly absorbed by a person's body. This effect is similar to when a person sits in the sun, the person warms up faster while the room temperature rises less quickly. An infrared cabin is a dry sauna, which is heated by infrared heat, unlike a Finnish sauna, which is warmed by hot air. The infrared rays have a with beneficial effects for muscle and joint pains, for example. For people with rheumatic complaints, the infrared cabin benefits greatly. Read more about the benefits of the infrared cabin here. But are there any disadvantages to using the infrared sauna? This is where we want to take a closer look in this article.
The possible disadvantages and dangers of infrared saunas are generally the same as those of Finnish saunas. This is because the disadvantages and dangers are mainly related to heat.
What adverse effects can occur in an infrared sauna?
- Overheating can be a consequence of using the infrared cabin / infrared sauna. However, this does not happen without warning from the body. If you start feeling weak, getting muscle cramps, fatigue or dizziness, it is best to get out of the ir cabin to seek cooling.
- Dehydration: Before, during and after using the infrared sauna, it is recommended to drink a glass of water. This is to absorb the loss of moisture and minerals. Avoid alcohol or sugary drinks. These cause a reverse effect, and are therefore more likely to cause dehydration.
- Use of the infrared sauna is not recommended in case of a flare-up of an illness or acute injury, as this can interfere with the natural healing process.
Overheating and dehydration
The primary risk of either a dry or steam sauna or infrared cabin is overheating, as explained by physician Andrew Weil. Overheating can lead to fainting and dehydration. Older people are more prone to overheating because sweat gland function decreases with age. A child's body temperature also rises faster than that of adults. In an infrared cabin, the temperature can be controlled better than in a Finnish sauna, this is because the temperature is set digitally. There are also a number of drugs that increase the risk of overheating. People taking antihistamines, barbiturates, beta blockers or diuretics are advised to be careful when using saunas. These drugs can affect the ability to perspire and can also lead to dehydration. Alcohol also increases the risk of overheating. The infrared sauna can also be used perfectly well at longer temperatures such as 40 degrees which still maintains its therapeutic effect.
Infrared sauna with shortwave emitters (IR-A)
The wavelength of infrared emitters can be divided into short (IR-A), medium (IR-B) and long wave (IR-C). Short-wave radiation in particular can have drawbacks. Although on many websites you can read that this radiation penetrates deeper into the body, there are certainly disadvantages to this type of radiation. For instance, only a very small percentage of the IR-A reaches the depth and many people experience the short-wave radiation as penetrating heat, which is difficult to tolerate. In addition, one may only sit in front of this short-wave emitter for 15 minutes. This prevents one from detoxifying properly in this type of cabin. Therefore, in most cases, the long wave or medium wave is better suited, even for muscle and joint pains. In one of SuperSauna's shops you can also experience the different types of infrared radiant heat for yourself, we will be happy to inform you further.
Infrared sauna and heart patients
In an infrared cabin or traditional sauna, the body has to cool itself at higher temperatures. This causes blood circulation and heart rate to be stimulated. As a result, you are effectively doing a workout while just sitting still in the infrared sauna. Although saunas are safe and even good for most people with cardiovascular diseases, there are certain cardiovascular conditions (unstable angina, recent heart attack and severe aortic valve stenosis where it is recommended to avoid using a sauna or infrared cabin. People with high blood pressure should also be wary of any sweat-inducing heat. They are best to use an infrared cabin with the door open, that way they avoid the heat and the body still takes in the therapeutic infrared. If in doubt, it is better to consult your GP or cardiologist.
Infrared sauna and medication?
Certain medications can have an effect on increased blood flow and increased sweat production. Therefore, we always recommend checking with your doctor whether using the sauna could affect your medication. Diabetics are best to monitor their values to find out how the body reacts to the heat.
When not in the infrared sauna?
Although an infrared sauna offers many benefits for relaxation and well-being, there are certain situations when it is better not to use it. It is important to consider your own health and any medical conditions before entering the infrared sauna. Using the infrared sauna is not recommended in the following cases, although check with your doctor to be sure.
First, if you suffer from high blood pressure, it is advisable to be careful when using the infrared sauna. The heat in the sauna can cause your blood pressure to rise, which is not desirable if you are already dealing with high blood pressure. Always consult your doctor before deciding to use the infrared sauna.
In addition, it is important to avoid the sauna if you have a fever. The heat of the sauna can raise your body temperature, which is not beneficial when you are already feverish. It is best to wait until you have recovered before using the infrared sauna again.
People with certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, should also be careful when using the infrared sauna. The heat can worsen the symptoms of these conditions and cause discomfort. It is advisable to seek advice from a dermatologist before using the sauna.
Also, if you are pregnant, it is wise to avoid using the infrared sauna. The heat can be harmful to foetal development. It is best to wait until after pregnancy before using the sauna again.
In doing so, it is also good to avoid the infrared sauna in the following cases:
- in case of stroke
- in cases of severe cardiac artery stenosis
- in case of a recent heart attack
- unstable heart disease
- brain tumours
- lupus
- multiple Sclerosis
Each time, it is recommended to consult with your doctor, according to your specific medical condition.
Silicone implants harmful from infrared sauna use
A potential hazard can occur when people with silicone implants use an infrared sauna. Silicone can absorb infrared heat. Using a Finnish sauna is possible in this most cases, as here the heat is generated by hot air. Persons with silicone implants should first check with their doctor to find out whether it is responsible to use an infrared sauna.
Active rheumatic and infrared sauna
Infrared cabins in combination with rheumatic complaints are in most cases perceived as very positive. Clinical studies show that up to 80% pain reduction can occur with regular infrared sauna use. The only disadvantage that rheumatism patients may experience from using an infrared sauna is when the rheumatism is in an active phase. During that period, inflammations can develop and it is important to keep rest. There are patients who prefer cooling the joints during the active phase of rheumatism. Click here for more information on rheumatic complaints and infrared sauna use.