Eczema is a frustrating and painful skin condition. As more and more people look for holistic healing approaches, the question arises: are saunas good for eczema?
Saunas are not good for eczema and can even be detrimental to healing. The heat of the sauna, as well as the resulting sweat, irritates eczema. While saunas may appear helpful at first glance due to their ability to decrease inflammation and stress, the cons outweigh the pros. Some people with eczema use saunas religiously and claim that they help.
Although saunas are often seen as a fix-all, eczema patients will likely find little to no luck in the sauna. Let’s explore how saunas relate to eczema and dry, itchy skin.
Can the sauna help treat eczema?
Eczema is dry, red, itchy skin. It’s a common condition and isn’t contagious. As much as 15% to 20% of the population experiences eczema or other forms of dermatitis at some point in their lives.
Saunas are proven to create a more stable epidermal barrier function and recovery of skin pH, meaning your skin can hold more water. However, they can cause itchiness in those with eczema.
Saunas don’t help treat eczema. The excess heat and sweat irritate the skin. Other potential benefits, such as decreased inflammation and increased blood flow, are overshadowed by the discomfort that saunas cause. However, some people with eczema swear by saunas.
Eczema is caused by a couple of different things:
- Immune system – The immune system in people with eczema overreacts to small allergens or irritants, causing skin inflammation.
- Environment – If you are exposed to many pollutants, wool, or certain soaps and skin products, this can worsen flare ups.
- Humidity – Low humidity can cause dry and itchy skin, whereas high humidity and heat can cause sweating which also increases itchiness.
- Stress – Increased stress increases eczema flare ups.
Some common treatments include:
- Using a humidifier
- Getting medication
- Treating stress
- Using proper moisturizer
- Using mild soaps
- Applying cortisone
- Taking OTC antihistamines
- Taking prescription medication
Does heat make eczema worse?
We’re used to applying heat to pulled muscles and generally view heat as healing. But can it help treat eczema?
Heat can make eczema worse because sweat aggravates eczema and hot temperatures trigger itch reflexes. People with eczema need to take extra precautions in the summer due to the heat.
Sweat can make eczema worse because of the trace minerals it contains such as nickel, lead, magnesium, and sodium.
In fact, the National Eczema Association recommends that those with eczema avoid hot baths and take short, lukewarm ones instead because heat is so irritating.
Does steam make eczema worse?
Steam is largely used to moisturize skin in spas and at home alike. Unfortunately, steam doesn’t have therapeutic effects for eczema.
Although moisture is a common treatment for eczema, the heat, irritation, and sweating that come along with steam make eczema worse.
Steam can aggravate sensitive skin and can trigger “facial flushing,” so it is best to be avoided.
However, moisturizers are highly effective at treating eczema. Although people with eczema do not benefit from the moisturizing effects of steam, they can benefit from using moisturizers.
Is the sauna good for dry skin in general?
According to Dr. Erin Gilbert, MD, PhD, saunas dilate your pores, detoxify your skin, and increase circulation to the skin. But what about if you have dry skin?
Saunas are good for dry skin because they hydrate the outer layer of your skin. They also increase circulation, bringing more blood towards the surface of your skin to soothe it. However, if your dry skin has cracks or open wounds, the sweat will hurt.
Despite some myths, Finnish saunas do not cause dry skin.
Is the sauna good for itchy skin?
Whether or not saunas are good for itchy skin depends on the condition of the skin.
Saunas are good for itchy skin because they can help get rid of dead skin cells and reduce skin inflammation. But if your skin is already irritated, they are best to be avoided because the sweat will hurt.
Saunas help get rid of dead skin cells by opening up the pores and bringing blood flow to the skin.
Which type of sauna is best for eczema?
There is a trend of sauna sites promoting their infrared saunas for eczema treatment, but there are no studies to back up this claim.
It is unclear if any saunas are good for eczema. Sauna websites make claims that infrared saunas are good for eczema, stating that they control inflammation and boost the immune system. However, the promotion of infrared saunas for eczema ignores the irritation caused by sweating and heat.
First infrared sauna sites started to promote their saunas as good for eczema, and then health and wellness sites saw the claims and started to spread them even further.
It is true that infrared saunas reduce inflammation. However, a boost in immunity has yet to be studied.
It must be considered that all saunas have benefits that would potentially help eczema, such as relaxation. But the irritation caused by sweating and heat outweighs the potential benefits.
Yet some individuals with eczema swear by saunas as treatment. Each body is unique and reacts to things differently.
Because of this, the following sections will go over how to use different types of saunas for eczema.
How to use the traditional dry sauna for eczema
Using a traditional dry sauna for eczema has a few differences from normal use.
To use a traditional dry sauna for eczema:
- Drink water.
- Take a short, lukewarm shower.
- Dry off completely and change into your sauna attire.
- Keep your session short to minimize sweating.
- Cool off thoroughly in the shower and wash away all sweat.
- Drink more water.
Exit the sauna immediately if your skin starts to feel irritated.
How to use an infrared sauna for eczema
Just like the traditional dry sauna, an infrared sauna session will be slightly different for those with eczema.
To use an infrared sauna for eczema:
- Drink water.
- Take a short, lukewarm shower.
- Dry off completely and change into your sauna attire.
- Heat up along with the sauna cabin.
- Keep your session short to minimize sweating.
- Cool off thoroughly in the shower and wash away all sweat.
- Drink more water.
If your eczema starts to feel worse during your session, cut it short and go straight to the shower.
How to use steam rooms for eczema
Lastly, steam room sessions can be adjusted for use alongside eczema.
To use a steam room for eczema:
- Drink water.
- Take a short, lukewarm shower.
- Dry off completely and change into your sauna attire.
- Have the steam room at the lowest humidity setting.
- Keep your session short to minimize sweating.
- Cool off thoroughly in the shower and wash away all sweat.
- Drink more water.
As steam irritates sensitive skin, you have to be particularly careful using a steam room for eczema.