Are Saunas Good For Eczema?

Saunas can either help or harm eczema, depending on how you use them. While the heat and sweating may provide temporary relief for some, they can trigger flare-ups for others. Here’s what you need to know:

Are Saunas Good For Eczema?

Recommended Reading: What Is The 3-Minute Rule For Eczema?

Potential Benefits

✓ May help detoxify skin
✓ Can improve circulation
✓ Might reduce stress (a common eczema trigger)

Potential Risks

✗ Heat can cause excessive dryness
✗ Sweating may irritate sensitive skin
✗ Sudden temperature changes can trigger flares

Key Takeaway: If you have eczema, approach sauna use cautiously and follow specific guidelines to minimize irritation.

How Saunas Affect Eczema: The Science

The Good

• Increased blood flow brings nutrients to skin
• Temporary itch relief from heat
• Stress reduction through relaxation
• Possible removal of irritants through sweating

The Bad

• Moisture loss from intense heat
• Salt in sweat can sting broken skin
• Bacteria growth in warm, moist environments

Best Practices for Eczema Sufferers

If You Choose to Use a Sauna:

1. Limit sessions to 10-15 minutes
2. Keep temperature moderate (150-170°F)
3. Shower immediately after using lukewarm water
4. Apply moisturizer within 3 minutes of showering
5. Stay hydrated before, during, and after

Sauna Alternatives to Consider

• Steam rooms (more humid than dry saunas)
• Infrared saunas (lower temperatures)
• Warm baths with colloidal oatmeal

Who Should Avoid Saunas?

Saunas may not be right for you if you have:
✔ Active, weeping eczema lesions
✔ Extremely dry, cracked skin
✔ Heat-triggered eczema flares
✔ Recent steroid cream application

Different Sauna Types and Eczema

Traditional Finnish Sauna (Dry Heat)

• Pros: May help with mild eczema
• Cons: Very drying

Infrared Sauna

• Pros: Gentler, penetrates deeper
• Cons: May still cause overheating

Steam Room

• Pros: More moisture in air
• Cons: Can promote bacterial growth

FAQs