Taipei City Government

Hot spring travel books and websites often promote how hot springs can relieve joint pain, whiten the skin, improve blood circulation and treat skin disease. Dermatologists remind the public to be careful as it may cause more itching. Based on medical proof, the only skin disease that hot spring can treat is scabies, as elements in the sulfur spring can kill the scabies mites infesting the skin.
Dr. Li Mong-Sui, attending physician of Dermatology Department of Heping Fuyou branch of Taipei City Hospital, said that during winter, there is always a flock of patients coming to the outpatient service for treatment of dry skin, itch, or even burn or inflammation after bathing in hot springs. For people with delicate skin, or those who have asteatotic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis, there is a higher chance of contracting skin disease from bathing in high temperature hot spring. The misconception that hot spring can treat various types of skin disease is also the most common aggravating factor for asteatotic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis patients.
Dr. Li points out that the secret to preventing itchiness after a hot spring bath is simply to prevent the skin from getting dry, which can be achieved through the following three methods:
1.Do not over wash or scrub before entering the hot spring.
2.Do not bath for too long or too frequently.
3.Rinse thoroughly after bathing, and apply moisturizer as soon as possible.