Hydrogen sulfide baths: indications, benefits and harms

In order to improve health, water treatments are actively used in medicine - showers, dousing, etc. Among such procedures, perhaps the most memorable are hydrogen sulphide baths: such popularity is dictated not only by the specific memorable smell of hydrogen sulphide, but also by the extraordinary effectiveness of the treatment. What is this effectiveness, and who is this type of physiotherapy indicated or contraindicated for?

Treatment with hydrogen sulphide baths

Hydrogen sulphide baths are also called sulphide baths: the medicinal water contains a basic healing component, which is a gaseous substance called hydrogen sulphide.

Hydrogen sulphide baths have a positive effect on the peripheral and central nervous system. Patients experience pronounced reddening of the skin, opening of pores, increased secretory activity of the sebaceous glands and increased production of bioactive substances – in particular, serotonin and histamine. In general, hydrogen sulphide has an anti-inflammatory and activating effect. [ 1 ]

Hydrogen sulphide water can have different concentrations of the active component, therefore it is divided into several types:

• low-sulfur water with a concentration of 10 to 50 mg/l;
• medium-concentrated water – from 50 to 100 mg/l;
• strong concentration water – from 100 to 250 mg/l;
• especially strong hydrogen sulphide water – more than 250 mg/l.

Such concentrations are used to treat various diseases, and they are used not only in the form of hydrogen sulphide baths, but also in the form of showers, massage showers, and therapeutic pools.

Indications for the procedure

Indications for the procedure

The positive effect on the functionality of the cardiovascular, autonomic nervous system and central nervous system, as well as the ability to stimulate oxidation and reduction reactions in the body - these properties are the basis for the use of hydrogen sulphide baths for therapeutic purposes.

Due to its hypotensive effect, hydrogen sulfide is used for hypertension of the first and second degree. The procedures help to correct atherosclerotic disorders, improve the performance of the heart muscle, optimize peripheral blood flow, therefore, baths are actively used for atherosclerosis, the initial stage of chronic heart failure, and diseases of the arteries of the extremities.

Hydrogen sulphide water causes dilation of large and small vessels, therefore it can be used for obliterating endarteritis, atherosclerosis of coronary vessels, atherosclerotic changes in cerebral vessels. Hydrogen sulphide baths are also indicated for myocardial dystrophy, heart defects and peripheral circulatory disorders.

In general, indications for the use of hydrogen sulphide baths can be divided into the following list of diseases:

• cardiovascular pathologies in the initial stages of development (stage I or IIA hypertension, coronary atherosclerosis or heart disease);
• pathologies of the nervous system (post-traumatic conditions after damage to the spinal cord or brain, initial atherosclerotic intravascular changes);
• dermatological diseases (dermatoses, eczematous or psoriatic rashes);
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system (chondrosis, polyarthritis);
• diseases of the genitourinary system (inflammatory processes in the prostate gland, female reproductive system, as well as vesiculitis, reproductive dysfunction, menstrual cycle irregularities);
• endocrine pathologies (hypothyroidism, diabetes).

Hydrogen sulfide bath for fibroids

Myoma is a benign tumor originating from the muscular tissue of the uterus. The causes of such a tumor have not been fully clarified, but many experts associate its formation with increased estrogen production.

Treatment of fibroids is always complex and may include various physiotherapy procedures. However, the doctor does not prescribe hydrogen sulphide baths in all cases, but only when the size of the formation does not exceed the size of the uterus at 8 weeks of pregnancy. The benefit of hydrogen sulphide in this disease is its direct beneficial effect on the central nervous system, due to which the hormonal background is stabilized, the functionality of the nervous system improves. If it is necessary to stop the growth of fibroids, then baths with radon are more recommended.

Hydrogen sulphide baths for varicose veins

Hydrogen sulfide foot baths are a great remedy used in the complex treatment of varicose veins. Hydrogen sulfide water helps to improve the health of blood vessels, relieve unpleasant symptoms, and prevent the development of complications caused by this disease.

Patients suffering from varicose veins are especially recommended contrast baths, with temperature rotation from cool to warm water. Such procedures stimulate local metabolic processes, improve blood flow.

Hydrogen sulphide baths are actively prescribed for vascular diseases, as they eliminate pain, restore the functionality of nerve endings, and stop the inflammatory reaction. In addition to all the positive properties, hydrogen sulphide reduces vascular resistance, improves capillary circulation, and eliminates swelling. It is optimal to take hydrogen sulphide baths for varicose veins at the initial stage of the disease.

Hydrogen sulphide baths for joints

Under the influence of hydrogen sulphide water, the formation of biologically active substances begins in the skin - for example, histamine, heparin, acetylcholine. These substances stimulate the expansion of capillary vessels, provide blood flow to tissues, increase blood circulation, and reduce blood viscosity. All these properties in combination have a healing effect on the entire body. At the same time, metabolic and energy reactions in skeletal muscles and joints improve, as a result of which pain is relieved, the course of the inflammatory process stops, and joint motor function is optimized.

Other positive effects of hydrogen sulphide baths on joints include improved adrenal function, acceleration of carbohydrate metabolism, and stimulation of the body's immune defense.

Hydrogen sulphide baths for arthrosis

Hydrogen sulphide baths are especially recommended for arthrosis, polyarthritis, gout and other joint diseases. During the procedures, metabolic and energy reactions in the musculoskeletal system - in the joints and muscles - improve. Hydrogen sulphide has a positive effect on general metabolism, while stimulating the function of the endocrine system, namely the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and sex glands. This leads to the inhibition of inflammatory processes in the joints, prevents salt deposits, and improves blood circulation in areas prone to pathological changes.

Patients' reactions to hydrogen sulphide baths for arthrosis vary. Most patients report feeling better after the first procedure. However, sometimes after 2-3 baths, there is a temporary deterioration in the condition, and even a loss of strength. Such a change is always short-term, and there is no need to be afraid of it. You can take a break for several days, after which the treatment course should be resumed. Experts note that the effect of hydrogen sulphide baths for arthrosis lasts for 1-4 years, depending on the severity of the disease process.

For some joint diseases, courses of hydrogen sulphide bath therapy should be repeated several times. However, this is allowed no earlier than six months after the last course.

Hydrogen sulfide baths for prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis is a common indication for the use of hydrogen sulfide baths. The procedures are carried out outside the acute stage of the disease. As a rule, they are prescribed every other day, with a hydrogen sulfide concentration of 50, 100 and 150 mg/l. Local hydrogen sulfide baths (sitz baths) can be used.

Hydrogen sulfide has the ability to stimulate the glucocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex and activate non-specific immune factors. These processes are responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect of the procedures, as well as their pronounced resolving and regenerative effect. The trophism of tissues affected by inflammation is restored, hemodynamics is normalized, and compensatory mechanisms of immunity are activated.

With timely initiation of the treatment course, it is possible to achieve stable remission of chronic prostatitis for several years. For a lasting effect, it is recommended to take courses of hydrogen sulphide baths annually. [ 2 ]

Hydrogen sulfide baths for prostate adenoma

Hydrogen sulphide baths are not prescribed in case of acute inflammatory process, as well as in case of tumor growths in the prostate gland. Therefore, the use of such procedures for prostate adenoma is not recommended. In the initial stages of tumor development, treatment with hydrogen sulphide is allowed, but only after the approval of the doctor, who must carefully assess the possible benefits and harm of the procedure.

Hydrogen sulphide baths for psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common chronic form of dermatosis, the etiology of which is still not reliably known. The course of the disease is persistently recurrent, and it is considered almost impossible to cure it, so patients seek help from any existing methods to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis.

One of the methods of treatment for psoriasis is balneotherapy – in particular, this is the use of hydrogen sulfide baths with a hydrogen sulfide concentration of 100 mg/l, with a temperature regime from 36 to 38°C. The procedures are repeated once every two days, or twice every three days. The course usually requires up to 14 baths.

At the initial stages of psoriasis, as well as with its relatively mild course, hydrogen sulphide baths have a pronounced positive effect. However, experts note a decrease in the effectiveness of the procedures in the persistent form of pathology, as well as with strong infiltration of psoriasis lesions. In such cases, it is recommended to repeat the baths daily, and increase the total duration of treatment to 18-20 sessions. The time of one procedure is also increased - up to 12-15 minutes (instead of 8-10 minutes). Longer and more frequent exposure to hydrogen sulphide helps to alleviate the course of chronic and large-plaque psoriasis - more severe resistant forms of pathology.

Benefits of hydrogen sulfide baths

What are the beneficial properties of hydrogen sulfide baths? The mechanism of their action is as follows: hydrogen sulfide, or more precisely, its free ions, enter human tissues through skin pores, as well as through the respiratory system, after which they end up in the general bloodstream. There they are oxidized, and finally they leave the body naturally.

During just one procedure, the human body can receive approximately 70 mg of hydrogen sulfide. This dose is already therapeutic, and the patient himself can feel the first signs of the healing effect: the skin becomes pinkish, a feeling of warmth appears throughout the body.

Of course, the severity of the effect largely depends on the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the water. However, this does not mean that the more, the better. Excessive content of the substance under certain conditions can be harmful, so the procedures are carried out exclusively as prescribed by a doctor.

All the positive qualities of hydrogen sulphide baths can be listed, for example:

• stabilization of blood pressure;
• optimization of blood circulation;
• strengthening the immune system;
• improving the function of joints and cartilage;
• normalization of cholesterol and hemoglobin levels in the blood;
• acceleration of wound healing;
• inhibition of inflammatory processes;
• activation of phospholipid growth;
• weight normalization;
• improvement of carbohydrate metabolism and oxidation-reduction processes;
• elimination of excess fluid accumulation in tissues, pain relief;
• quick recovery from depression, relief from anxiety and irritability;
• liver detoxification;
• stabilization of the central and autonomic nervous system;
• improving the functioning of the musculoskeletal system;
• acceleration of cellular regeneration;
• general cleansing and detoxification of the body.

Benefits of Hydrogen Sulfide Baths for Men

Hydrogen sulphide baths are no less useful for the male population. For example, they help improve potency, speed up the treatment of inflammatory processes in the prostate gland, eliminate infertility, and facilitate recovery from many diseases of the urinary system.

The only condition for benefiting from hydrogen sulfide treatment is to quit smoking and drinking alcohol (at least for the duration of the entire treatment course). The effect will be even more noticeable if the patient does not consume harmful products or exert excessive physical effort during the hydrogen sulfide baths.

An additional “bonus” for men will be liver cleansing, improved mood, and normalization of cholesterol metabolism. [ 3 ]

Benefits of Hydrogen Sulfide Baths for Women

Hydrogen sulphide baths are very useful for the female body, as they can help cope with such problems as tubal infertility, menstrual cycle disorders, and low estrogen levels. In addition, hydrogen sulphide can speed up recovery from many pathologies of the urinary and reproductive systems.

Scientists have recently proven that hydrogen sulphide baths can activate the production of the substance sirtuin, which is also called the "youth hormone". This substance allows you to slow down natural processes and age-related changes that occur as the body ages. Considering this, hydrogen sulphide baths can be recommended to those patients who want to stop aging and return their skin to a fresh and healthy appearance, rejuvenate and improve the health of the entire body.

Hydrogen sulphide baths for hair

The effect of hydrogen sulphide water on the scalp leads to activation of nerve endings. The production of acetylcholine, histamine and other substances is stimulated, due to which capillaries expand, blood circulation improves, both in the skin and in the hair follicles.

Hydrogen sulphide baths and irrigations are successfully used for the following problems:

• for dermatological pathologies, seborrhea;
• for hair loss;
• for neuralgia of the trigeminal or occipital nerve;
• for migraine, neurocirculatory dystonia;
• for neuroses, neurasthenia, hysterical attacks.

Hydrogen sulphide baths for hair are contraindicated for patients with pustular skin problems, with diseases that are accompanied by pronounced weeping. Treatment of hair with hydrogen sulphide should be discussed with a doctor in advance: he will assess the need for such treatment and select the necessary concentration of medicinal water.

The harm of hydrogen sulfide baths

In severe stages of heart failure, hydrogen sulphide baths are not prescribed: firstly, in advanced cases they do not lead to a visible effect, and secondly, they can cause an exacerbation of angina pectoris, ischemia of the heart muscle, and arrhythmia.

Hydrogen sulphide baths are contraindicated for the treatment of patients with bronchial asthma, advanced coronary atherosclerosis and irreversible atherosclerotic changes in the cerebral vessels. Due to the high probability of complications, the procedures are not prescribed for repeated myocardial infarction (with recurrent infarction), cardiogenic shock, severe arrhythmia, aneurysm, severe and frequent angina attacks, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, chronic damage to the hepatobiliary system and kidneys, thyrotoxicosis.

Composition of hydrogen sulfide baths

Hydrogen sulphide waters contain most of the useful mineral substances. Most often, the composition is represented by the following macro and microelements:

• iron;
• barium;
• bromine;
• calcium, sodium;
• iodine;
• potassium;
• fluorine;
• magnesium;
• sulfites.

The content of these components is always different, which depends, first of all, on the location of the natural source of hydrogen sulfide.

If artificial hydrogen sulphide baths are used for treatment, they are made by combining sodium sulphide with hydrochloric acid, with the addition of a salt component and hydrocarbonate. Since free hydrogen sulphide has an increased reactivity, enamelled, cast iron or earthenware vats and baths are used to make the medicinal solution, and for the procedures themselves.

Hydrogen sulphide procedures can be combined with sodium chloride and carbon dioxide baths (mineral and gas-mineral, respectively).

Carbon dioxide-hydrogen sulphide baths

Combined carbon dioxide-hydrogen sulphide baths have their own specific features. During the procedure, the patient's body is exposed to a two-component environment of water and gas. Gas bubbles emitted from the skin surface activate low-sensitivity mechanical receptors of the skin, which contributes to the formation of a flow of afferent impulses to certain brain structures - that is, a kind of tactile massage occurs. Due to this, a more complete penetration of useful substances from the water into the patient's tissues and blood flow is observed. Dilation of the coronary vessels and mobilization of the cardiac reserve are observed.

In general, the carbon dioxide-hydrogen sulphide bath has a hypotensive, cardiotonic, metabolic and anti-inflammatory effect. The procedures are prescribed for myocardial and atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis, respiratory diseases, functional disorders of the nervous system, chronic pathologies of the genitourinary system, as well as nephrosclerosis and the initial stage of diabetes mellitus.

Hydrogen sulphide baths with carbon dioxide, in turn, can be successfully combined with mud therapy.