Who can’t use the sauna? – the most important contraindications
Visits to the sauna bring many benefits, such as relaxation, improved circulation and muscle recovery, but it is not a pastime for everyone. However, not everyone’s body is ready for high temperatures and changes in humidity. Certain diseases and ailments increase the risk of complications, so it’s helpful to know who should take special care before sauntering.
Heart problems vs. sauna
If one has arrhythmia, the sauna is not always an ally. Pressure jumps and high temperatures can provoke palpitations, dizziness and even more serious complications. In such a case, it is best to consult a doctor and – if you get the green light – not to overdo the length of the session.
Thrombosis and sauna
With thrombosis, the matter is more serious. Heat dilates blood vessels, and this can make the clot move. This risk is so high that people with thrombosis should rather avoid the sauna by a wide margin.
Sauna and varicose veins
With varicose veins, the sauna is not a categorical ban, but it can exacerbate the A feeling of heaviness and pain in the legs. Blood vessels dilate, and blood backs up in the legs, with a not very pleasant effect. If someone wants to use nonetheless, it is worth choosing shorter sessions and observing the body’s reaction.
Sauna and asthma
Asthmatics should be especially wary of dry saunas. Stifling hot air can cause coughing and make breathing difficult. A steam sauna is sometimes a better option, as the humidity makes breathing easier and soothes irritation. But here, too, the golden rule is to consult a doctor before making a decision.
Skin and respiratory tract
Dry sauna with some skin problems (eczema, psoriasis, severe acne) can do more harm than good – the skin becomes even drier and more irritated. The respiratory tract reacts similarly: dry air irritates the throat and mucous membranes. A steam sauna, on the other hand, is often the opposite story – the steam has a soothing effect, moisturizes the skin and helps clear the sinuses.
Not only diseases – other situations when it is better to be careful
Illness is not always a contraindication. There are also ordinary, everyday situations when a sauna is not the best choice:
- During menstruation – there is no medical prohibition, but the heat can be tiring, and the body dehydrates faster. It’s worth shortening the session then and drinking more water.
- After surgery – until the wounds heal, sauna can impede the healing process. You should always wait as long as the doctor recommends.
- During an infection – a cold, flu or simple weakness of the body is when sauna does more harm than help. The body has enough work to do to cope with the illness. We write more on this subject here: Sauna and a cold – does it really help you get back in shape?
- Pregnancy – this is an individual topic. In some women, the sauna makes them feel bad, in others it does not. However, high temperatures can lead to overheating and dehydration, so it’s best to talk to your doctor in advance and – if anything – choose milder conditions. For more on sauna stays during pregnancy, see the guide: Sauna during pregnancy – is it safe?
Types of saunas and their effects on the body
Not every sauna works the same – they differ in temperature, humidity and how they stress the body.
| Type of sauna | Temperature | Moisture | For whom it is not advisable | What to look out for |
| Dry (Finnish) | 70-100°C | 5-20% | People with heart disease, arrhythmia, thrombosis, asthma sensitive to dry air, skin problems | heavily stresses the heart and blood vessels, dries out the skin and mucous membranes |
| Wet (steam) | 40-60°C | 60-100% | contraindications similar to dry, but usually milder for the respiratory tract | Moisturizes skin, dilutes secretions, promotes cleansing of respiratory tract |
| Infrared (infrared) | 40-60°C | low | Similar to dry, but the lower temperature is easier to bear | less stress on the cardiovascular system, sessions are shorter and lighter |
In practice, this means that someone who is unwell in a Finnish sauna often feels better in a steam or infrared sauna.
When a sauna is a bad idea without question
There are also situations where the risks are too great and sauna is not an option. This includes:
- autoimmune diseases,
- Organ failure (heart, kidney, liver),
- Fresh injuries, inflammation or open wounds.
Here the only right way is to consult a doctor and, most often, give up the sauna.
Sauna without risk – how to use wisely?
Sauna has a lot of advantages, but the most important thing is to use it with your head. The simplest rules? Listen to your body and don’t sit inside forcibly if you feel unwell. Always drink water – before and after a session – to avoid dehydration. Don’t start with long sessions, but gradually get your body used to the heat. And if you have any health problems, talk to your doctor before you start using regularly. This will make the sauna a real support to your health, not an additional burden. And the most important rules for staying in the sauna are presented here: How often to use the sauna and how long to stay in it? Our ABCs of sauning