Very hot water causes blood vessels near the surface of the skin to widen. This is one of the body’s normal responses to heat.
As blood vessels widen, blood pressure can temporarily fall in some people. The body may compensate by increasing heart rate.
For a healthy person, this usually isn’t dangerous.
But someone who is older, dehydrated, taking blood-pressure medication, or prone to dizziness may feel:
- Lightheaded
- Weak
- Unsteady
- Nauseated
- Extremely tired
- Close to fainting
This is one reason extremely hot showers can be particularly uncomfortable for some people.
A better approach
Use comfortably warm water rather than extremely hot water.
Your shower should feel pleasant rather than painfully hot.
If your skin becomes intensely red, irritated, itchy, or dry after every shower, the water may be too hot.
2. Suddenly Switching From Very Hot Water to Very Cold Water
Another popular habit is ending an extremely hot shower with an abrupt blast of ice-cold water.
