When the thermometer far exceeds 30 ° C, there are many people who only dream of a cold shower to refresh themselves in a flash. “Bad idea!”warns Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical.
Why does the cold shower not play its role?
In reality, this habit can be counterproductive, even risky. “”Cold showers may worsen body overheating “explains Dr. Kierzek. “”Indeed, the body will compensate for sudden cooling by producing more heat to maintain its internal temperature: this is called the thermal rebound effect “.
Another problem: thermal shock this time. Suddenly switching from a very hot environment to cold water can be significant stress for the cardiovascular system.
“This brutal contrast between external heat and cold water can cause circulatory stress, especially in fragile or elderly”,, he adds.
Finally, cold water triggers a physiological phenomenon called vasoconstriction: blood vessels are tightening, which slows down the natural evacuation of internal heat.
The right strategy: a lukewarm shower
Rather than a brutal cold stroke, the optimal solution remains the lukewarm shower, between 32 and 35 ° C, according to Dr. Kierzek.
“At this temperature, we promote a progressive vasodilation of the blood vessels, which allows an effective evacuation of body heat. Water which then evaporates on the skin provides a pleasant feeling of freshness.”
The doctor also delivers a smart advice: do not get completely wiping out of the shower. By leaving the skin slightly damp, prolonged evaporation helps the body to cool better naturally.
Other useful gestures when it is too hot
Finally, to better endure the hot weather, Dr. Kierzek also recommends other freshness gestures:
- A misting of the face and wristswith water at room temperature;
- A damp cloth on the neck to lower body temperature;
- Drink water regularlybut not frozenbecause there again, the thermal shock can be counterproductive;
- Avoid physical efforts during the hottest hours of the day;
- Ventilate the accommodation at nightAnd Keep the shutters and windows closed during the day To keep the freshness.
And a golden rule to cross these thermal difficulties. “”The keyword is progressiveness “, concludes Dr. Kierzek. “”The body should be allowed to adapt gently, rather than rushing it with extreme temperature variations “.