Q. Ski season is approaching. Après ski I love to climb into a hot tub to soak my weary muscles. Is that a safe thing to do?
I am a big fan of sweating to rid the body of toxins and to help relax. Sweating can help rid your body of the effects of over eating, excess salt, or over indulging in alcohol. You can sit in a sauna for about 20 minutes to reap these benefits. Don’t stay in much longer and be sure to drink water so you don’t dehydrate.
A hot tub is a different story though. While they can be very relaxing they can also be a breeding ground for bacteria if not well maintained and properly disinfected. These bacteria can lead to skin infections and/or skin irritations.
Hot tub folliculitis, a hot tub rash, is a skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed. It may look like small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles. The infection can spread and turn into non-healing, crusty sores. It’s caused by soaking in a poorly sanitized tub, which can occur even if the water looks clean. Don’t ever get in if the water looks murky or green, or smells funny.
If you are pregnant you should not use the hot tub whether it is clean or not, especially during the first trimester. Hot tubs are generally too hot and can dangerously raise the body’s core temperature, which is also dangerous for the fetus.
If you do go in a clean hot tub do not stay in too long. There is a risk of fainting from overheating that can be dangerous. Dizziness and overheating can lead to accidental slips and falls in the tub, which can then lead to other injuries.
Researchers at the American Journal of PreventiveMedicine recommended in their December 2009 edition that for safety’s sake, it is best to use the hot tub for only 10 to 15 minutes, at a temperature no higher than 104 degrees. The use of hot tubs at water temperatures above the normal body temperatures can cause drowsiness which may lead to unconsciousness and subsequently result in drowning.
A few other things to keep in mind when using a hot tub include not getting the water in your mouth and not swallowing it if you do. Be considerate of others; shower with soap before entering and don’t use it if you have diarrhea.
Pay attention to the maximum number of people posted that the tub can safely accommodate, and don’t over load beyond that number. Avoid drinking alcohol before or during hot tub use. The risk of drowning is significantly increased if individuals consume alcoholic beverages while, or prior to, soaking in hot water. Excessive drinking while in a hot tub can lead to drowsiness, which can then lead to unconsciousness and possible drowning.
Check out the color and smell of the tub before entering. It should not have a foul odor, but it should also not have a strong chemical odor. The tiles should not feel sticky or slimy. You should be able to hear the pumps and filter working.
The temperature should not exceed 104 degrees. Keeping the temperature at 100 degrees is considered safe for healthy adults. Soaking in a hot tub with water heated to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, for example, can raise human body temperature to the point of heat stroke, a condition in which the body’s core temperature is raised to greater than 105 degrees. This can lead to complications in the central nervous system and include nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma. These conditions can be fatal even to fully healthy adults.
If you can, talk to someone working there to ensure that chlorine and pH levels are checked at least twice a day, and more often when the tub is in heavy use.
If you have a history of heart disease, circulation problems, diabetes, or blood pressure issues (high or low) you should check with your medical provider before using a hot tub. Do not use the hot tub if you are taking tranquilizers, anti-histamines, or anti-coagulants.
Getting in and out of the tub can be slippery with wet feet so keep your towel nearby.
Before getting in look around you. Note where the manual disconnect device is located. You never know when you might need to use it, so know where it is!
And if possible, tub with a friend. Not only is it more enjoyable, but it’s safer to not be alone. Follow this advice and have fun après ski.
Ila Shebar is a women's health nurse practitioner specializing in women's pelvic health and continence at Pioneer Valley Urology in Springfield. Her "Ask Ila" column appears every other Wednesday in the Health & Science section of The Republican and on MassLive.com. She can be reached at ilashebarnp.pvu@ gmail.com
Source: http://www.masslive.com/living/index.ssf/2014/10/ask_ila-_hot_tubs_safe.html
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