Yeast infections are one of the most common problems faced by women. They can range from mild to severe and even affect men as well. Hot tubs are great fun to relax in, but do they also pose risks?
While many people love to soak in a hot tub after a long day, others may not feel comfortable with the idea. In fact, some people believe that soaking in hot water can make you sick. But does soaking really cause yeast infections? Let’s find out!
I’ve compiled a list of the top 9 reasons why soaking in a hot tub might cause a yeast infection. And I’m going to tell you how to prevent these issues from happening.
1. You’re too close to the heater
The first thing you need to know is that if your hot tub has an electric heater, it will be heating up the water. This means that there is a chance that you could get infected by bacteria or viruses floating around in the water. If you have been exposed to cold weather recently, then this is a good reason for you to avoid using a hot tub.
2. Your water isn’t clean enough
If you use a hot tub regularly, then you should always ensure that the water is properly cleaned before you use it. It’s important to keep the water clean because dirty water contains germs which can lead to bacterial growth. These germs can easily infect you when you enter the tub.
3. You don’t change the water often enough
It’s very easy to forget about changing the water in your hot tub. However, it’s important to change the water every time you use it. The reason for this is that the water becomes contaminated over time and eventually leads to a build-up of harmful bacteria.
4. You’re not taking care of your skin
A lot of people who enjoy soaking in hot tubs neglect their skin. They fail to take proper care of their skin and end up getting scaly patches on their body. When you soak in a hot tub, your skin gets wet. As a result, it dries out and cracks. This makes it prone to bacterial infections.
5. You’re not washing your hair
Another problem that occurs when you soak in a hot bathtub is that your hair doesn’t get washed. This is another major factor that contributes to bacterial infections. If you aren’t careful, you could end up getting a yeast infection.
6. You’re not keeping yourself hydrated
When you soak in a hot pool, you lose a lot of fluids through sweat. This causes your body to dehydrate. If you don’t drink enough water, then you’ll become more susceptible to yeast infections.
7. You’re not wearing sunscreen
When you soak in a hot water, you expose your skin to UV rays. This increases your risk of developing sunburns. Since you won’t wear any sunscreen while soaking, the chances of you developing a yeast infection increase.
8. You’re not eating healthy food
You shouldn’t eat anything that is high in sugar content when you soak in a warm pool. This includes things like cakes, candies, ice cream, etc. Because they are full of simple carbohydrates, these foods give rise to yeast infections.
9. You’re not exercising regularly
You also need to exercise regularly if you want to stay fit. Exercising helps you maintain your weight as well as keeps your muscles toned. In addition, it boosts your immune system. Soaking in a hot tub without doing any physical activity is one way of losing muscle mass.
Does hot tubs make yeast infections worse?
The truth is that soaking in a hot tub can actually worsen yeast infections. This is because the heat from the water makes it easier for the fungus to grow. Also, the chemicals used to sanitize the water can harm your skin.
How do you treat a yeast infection?
There are several ways to treat a yeast infection. For instance, you can apply some antifungal creams or ointments. You can also try using natural remedies such as garlic, oregano oil, tea tree oil, etc.
However, there are other treatments available too. One method involves applying an antibiotic spray directly onto the affected area. Another option is to use oral medication. These medications include Diflucan, Nystatin, and Fluconazole.
However, before you start treating a yeast infection, you should consult with your doctor first. He will be able to tell you which treatment would work best for you.
How do prevent this from happening?
If you want to avoid all the problems mentioned above, then you should always keep the following tips in mind:
- 1. Always wash your hands properly
- 2. Don’t forget to moisturize your skin
- 3. Drink plenty of water
- 4. Avoid taking showers
- 5. Wear sunscreen
- 6. Eat nutritious food
- 7. Exercise regularly
- 8. Use antibacterial soap
- 9. Take care of your nails
- 10. Keep your feet dry
- 11. Wash your clothes frequently
- 12. Never share towels or rags
- 13. Do not let anyone else take a dip in your hot tub
- 14. Clean your hot tub on a regular basis
- 15. Maintain proper temperature
- 16. Have fun!
Can hot tubs cause bacterial infections?
Bacteria are microscopic organisms that live everywhere in nature. They help us digest our food and fight off diseases. However, sometimes bacteria get into our bodies and cause illnesses. The most common types of bacterial infections include urinary tract infections (UTIs), strep throat, pneumonia, ear infections, etc.
What not to do when you have a yeast infection?
When you have a yeast infection, you must follow certain precautions so that you don’t accidentally spread the disease to others. Here are some of them:
- 1. Do not touch your genitals
- 2. Do not rub your eyes
- 3. Do not kiss someone who has a mouth ulcer
- 4. Do not share personal items like toothbrushes, combs, etc.
- 5. Do not eat raw fruits or vegetables
- 6. Do not wear wet clothing
- 7. Do not drink alcohol
- 8. Do not smoke cigarettes
- 9. Do not swim in pools
How long after a yeast infection can I go swimming again?
You may be wondering how long you can go swimming after having a yeast infection. Well, there is no set time limit. However, it’s important that you wait until you feel better before going back into the pool. If you don’t, then you could end up spreading the infection to others.
Should you avoid hot tubs if you have a yeast infection?
Yes, you should avoid getting into a hot tub if you have a yeast or bacterial infection. Hot tubs can make these conditions worse by causing more irritation to your skin. In addition, they can increase your risk of developing UTI.
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/vaginal-yeast-infection
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20000526/whats-living-in-your-hot-tub