Why do feet become red after soaking in hot water? (Why do feet become red after soaking in hot water)

As the weather gets cooler, many people soak their feet in hot water for a while in the evening to ward off the cold and warm up. However, some people find that their skin becomes red after soaking their feet. So what’s the matter with red feet after soaking in hot water?

Why do hot water feet become red?

The reason why hot water feet become red is because after the local area is heated, the blood flow rate accelerates and the surface capillaries expand, so the epidermis becomes red. . If the water temperature is too high, not only will the skin become red, but it may also cause burns.

The water temperature for foot bathing should not be too high

The water temperature for footbathing should not be too high, preferably around 40°C. Soaking the calves and feet in hot water of a suitable temperature can reduce the hardness of blood vessels, which can play a certain role in preventing vascular lesions and improving joint pain. It also has the functions of promoting blood circulation, relieving fatigue, warming the body and dispersing cold.

It is not suitable to soak feet in hot water for frozen feet

The condition of frozen feet indicates that the feet have been invaded by wind and cold, the temperature is lower than the normal tolerance of the body, and the skin and muscles are in a stiff state. At this time, if you suddenly scald your feet with hot water, the temperature will change from cold to hot, and the skin and muscles will not be able to withstand the huge temperature difference, thus aggravating the condition of frozen feet, and in severe cases, the muscles and bones may even peel off. Therefore, after your feet are cold, you should rub them with your hands to warm them up instead of simply soaking your feet in hot water to warm them up.

Not everyone is suitable for hot water foot baths

Due to problems with the peripheral nerves in the feet, diabetic patients are not sensitive to temperature, so they can easily cause burns when soaking their feet in hot water. Once burned, it may lead to foot infection and ulceration, and in severe cases, amputation.

For patients with varicose veins or thrombosis, due to poor venous blood return, soaking feet in hot water will increase local blood flow and increase the burden on venous return, thus aggravating the condition.