Can I take a shower after suffering from heatstroke?

Jul 16, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, if the heatstroke is mild, you may take a shower once your physical condition has stabilized. However, if the heatstroke is severe, it is not recommended to shower immediately. If any discomfort symptoms occur, it is advisable to closely monitor your physical condition and seek medical treatment at a正规 hospital when necessary. For individuals with mild heatstroke, the water temperature during showering should be controlled around 37°C, avoiding water that is too cold or too hot.

Generally speaking, if it is mild heatstroke, you can take a shower after your physical condition becomes relatively stable; however, if it is severe heatstroke, it is not recommended to shower immediately. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is advisable to closely monitor your physical condition and seek medical treatment at a regular hospital when necessary. Detailed analysis is as follows:

During mild heatstroke, when the discomfort symptoms have been somewhat relieved—for example, dizziness and fatigue have decreased—and consciousness, blood pressure, and heart rate are stable, taking a shower is acceptable. At this time, warm water is recommended, as it can help dilate skin blood vessels, promote blood circulation, accelerate body heat dissipation, and also clean the skin, making you feel more comfortable. However, you should avoid showering for too long to prevent excessive physical exhaustion. After showering, dry your body promptly and keep warm to prevent catching a chill.

For severe heatstroke, it is not advisable to shower immediately. Patients with severe heatstroke often experience serious symptoms such as high fever, confusion, low blood pressure, and dehydration. The body is in an extremely weak state, and the functions of various organs may also be affected. Showering at this time may further impact blood circulation due to the stimulation of water temperature, increasing the burden on the heart. Additionally, accidents such as slipping or fainting may occur due to physical weakness during the shower. Moreover, the body's ability to regulate temperature is poor after severe heatstroke, and showering may cause excessive fluctuations in body temperature, which is not conducive to recovery.

For those with mild heatstroke, the water temperature should be controlled around 37°C when showering—neither too cold nor too hot. If symptoms such as dizziness or palpitations occur during the shower, stop immediately and rest.

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