Experts answer: Why you should take shorter showers during a heatwave

The heatwave is upon us, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a red alert across North India for the next few days. While it is only natural to guzzle chilled water and take nice, long baths to cool down the body, turns out it is something experts do not recommend. But why?

According to Dr Vinit Banga, associate director-Neurology, BLK MAX Hospital, taking shorter showers during a heatwave is crucial for maintaining both personal and public health. “Prolonged exposure to hot water can exacerbate dehydration, which is already a significant risk during extreme heat. Dehydration can lead to serious complications, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Additionally, reducing shower time conserves water, which is often in limited supply during heatwaves, ensuring there is enough for essential needs like drinking and cooling,” he told indianexpress.com.

He added that shorter showers also help prevent skin irritation, as hot water strips the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and increasing susceptibility to heat rashes, which are more common in high temperatures.

Agreeing, Dr Sukriti Bhalla, Consultant- Cardiology, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi explained that when we take a shower, we “vasodilate or open up the pores on the body. As such, the longer the showers you take, the more the risk of losing heat. During extreme temperatures such as heatwaves, the point is to try and conserve energy as much as possible.” She further stressed that dehydration causes blood to thicken and clot, leading to pulmonary embolism which is usually worse than a heart attack. Encouraging regular hydration, she added that if you step out, take salts in your water after coming back.

But is there also a link with cardiovascular issues?

Experts stress that extreme heat leads to a failure of homeostasis in the body, which is regulated by showering. This failure is often made worse by the existing cardiovascular issues, especially among the elderly. “The ideal temperature of the body needs to be between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius. If your body loses energy and water as a result of vasodilation and dehydrates, it may further lead to blood thickening and clotting, resulting in pulmonary embolism,” said Dr Bhalla.

Even if you feel that you are keeping yourself cool by showering for long, it is quite superficial and counterproductive to your cause and isn’t good for the thermogenic center of the brain, she added.

Extreme heat leads to a failure of homeostasis in the body, which is regulated by showering. This failure is often made worse by the existing cardiovascular issues, especially among the elderly. (Source: Freepik)

How long should an ideal shower be?

Take short showers for 5-10 minutes in room temperature water, suggested Dr Bhalla, adding that one must avoid showering during peak hours. “Try bathing around 11 am or a little towards the evening to regulate your body temperature,” she said.

“Opt for cold wraps, towels and foot baths to cool yourself down and in case you’re experiencing a heat stroke, apply a cold press for relief,” said Dr Aman Salwan, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, CARE Hospitals Banjara Hills. Hyderabad.

He recommended wearing loose fitting half sleeved cotton clothes and avoiding extreme temperatures at all time, especially ice baths, as they lead to vasoconstriction and the sudden shock is extremely harmful to the body.

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.