According to Dr. Nguyen Huy Hoang, a member of the Vietnam Society of Underwater Medicine and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, the need to cool down by showering is even greater on hot days. However, showering at many times can be harmful to the body and may even lead to health problems.

Doctor Hoang advises against showering during four times, even when it's hot and uncomfortable:

Quick overview:
  • 1. After outdoor activities or strenuous exercise.
  • 2. When the body is tired or dehydrated.
  • 3. Late at night
  • 4. Immediately after a full meal.
1. After outdoor activities or strenuous exercise.

At this time, the body is in a state of hyperthermia, the heart is beating fast, and blood vessels are dilated to dissipate heat. If you take a shower immediately, especially with cold water, the sudden temperature change will cause blood vessels to constrict rapidly, disrupting thermoregulation and increasing the burden on the cardiovascular system.

People who bathe at this time may experience dizziness, low blood pressure, headaches, palpitations, or shortness of breath. For those with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or the elderly, the risk of heart attack or stroke may increase.

Therefore, after being in the sun, people should rest in a cool, well-ventilated place for about 15-30 minutes, wipe away sweat, replenish fluids, and then take a shower.

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People are advised not to shower after strenuous outdoor activity or when feeling tired.
2. When the body is tired or dehydrated.

If a person feels exhausted, dizzy, has a dry mouth, a rapid heartbeat, or sweats excessively, it's a sign that their circulation and body temperature are not stable.

Taking a shower at this time can easily cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or heart rhythm disturbances. Elderly people and those with underlying cardiovascular conditions need to be especially cautious.

3. Late at night

Taking a shower late at night, especially when the ambient temperature drops, also poses many health risks. The sudden temperature change causes the body's blood vessels to constrict in order to retain heat, which can easily lead to headaches, neck and shoulder pain, or worsen migraines.

In individuals with atherosclerosis, spinal degeneration, or cardiovascular disease, vasoconstriction can further reduce blood flow, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events.

4. Immediately after a full meal.

After a meal, blood tends to concentrate in the digestive system. If you shower immediately, blood circulation can change abruptly, affecting digestion and making you feel tired and dizzy. People should wait at least 30 minutes to an hour after eating before showering.

Doctor Hoang advises people to use moderately cool or slightly warm water, avoiding excessively cold water, and not to shower for too long. When showering, people should be careful not to pour water over their heads; instead, they should wet their legs and arms first to allow the body to gradually adapt to the temperature change, avoiding complications later on.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/4-thoi-diem-nong-den-may-cung-khong-duoc-tam-2519644.html