Taking a hot shower can be life-threatening, a doctor reveals.

 

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Taking a hot shower can be life-threatening, a doctor reveals.

Many people prefer to take a hot shower because their bodies cannot tolerate the cold water and they fear their hearts will stop due to the shock it can cause. However, a German doctor has sounded the alarm about the dangers of taking a hot shower, stressing that a shower temperature just a few degrees higher can cause serious complications, including fainting and even life-threatening complications.

According to the Daily Mail, Dr. Max Madhaley, a vascular health expert, explained that taking a very hot shower causes the blood vessels in the skin to dilate, a natural response of the body to try to lower its temperature. However, this dilation can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness and loss of consciousness.

He pointed out that fainting while taking a shower poses a double risk due to the presence of hard surfaces that could hit the head or other body parts, increasing the likelihood of serious injuries or fractures.

To avoid this condition, experts recommend setting the water temperature to a moderate level or using a thermostat that prevents exceeding safe temperatures. People at greater risk of fainting, such as the elderly or those with chronic conditions, are also advised to use assistive devices in the bathroom, such as handles, seats, or non-slip surfaces, and to provide an emergency device such as a wrist-worn alarm to sound a distress signal in the event of a fall.

In a video that has garnered over 14 million views on TikTok, Madhahali also warned of the effects of hot showers on the skin, hair, and even the immune system.

He noted that hot water strips away the natural oils that keep the skin moisturized and protected, leading to dryness. It also damages hair in the same way, stripping it of its protective layer.

As for its effect on immunity, he noted that hot water may weaken the beneficial bacteria naturally present on the skin, which form the first line of defense against infection, potentially reducing the efficiency of the body's immune response.