When should you avoid the sauna?

For healthy adults a sauna is safe. Even so, there are situations where you are better off skipping it, and several where you should talk to your doctor first.

Skip it when:

You have a fever or an infection. Your body is already busy regulating temperature. Adding 90 degrees on top does not help and loads you unnecessarily.

You have been drinking. This is the big one. Alcohol widens your blood vessels, lowers your blood pressure and disrupts your sense of temperature, exactly the things a sauna also does. The combination substantially increases the risk of fainting. Drink afterwards, not before.

You are dehydrated. After a hard workout, a long day in the sun, or a bad night with little fluid: top up first, then go in.

You have an acute injury. With a fresh sprain or bruise involving swelling, heat is counterproductive in the first few days. Cooling makes more sense. For old, stiff muscles heat is exactly right.

You have open wounds or skin infections. Both for your own healing and for everyone else's hygiene.

Talk to your doctor first if you have:

• Cardiovascular disease, or a previous heart attack
• Significantly high or very low blood pressure
• Heart rhythm disorders
• A pregnancy
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes with reduced sensation in hands or feet
• Medication affecting blood pressure, heart rate or perspiration

None of this automatically rules it out. In many cases it is perfectly fine, possibly shorter or at a lower temperature. But it is a conversation you have once and then never have to worry about again.

Children

Children can join, but shorter and cooler. Put them on the lower bench, keep it to a few minutes and watch for signals. Their bodies regulate temperature less efficiently than an adult's. Never leave a child alone in a sauna.

Older adults

Age in itself is not a barrier. It is sensible to stay in for less time, cool down more gradually and pay extra attention to fluids. Stand up slowly, since dizziness on rising is more common.

The signals to stop immediately

Whatever your situation, get out straight away if you feel dizzy or nauseous, get a headache, notice an uncomfortably fast heart rate, or stop sweating while still feeling hot. Sit down, cool off gently and drink water.

With a wood-fired sauna

One extra point that does not apply to an electric sauna: always ensure ventilation. A wood stove needs air supply and the smoke must exit through the chimney. Never use a sauna tent fully zipped shut without fresh air, and never leave a burning stove unattended.

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are unsure about your situation, ask your doctor.