when I was still somewhat "healthy" lol I was able to tolerate HOT water and stay in for long periods of time now I'm lucky to get a 5 minute shower once a week, I have clostraphobic issues to begin with but the water itself seems to burn me not only tempurature wise but just its touch on my skin....my face flairs up seriously red and puffs as well as body parts...as far as soaps go I use all natural miracle II soap which works wonderfully..it just seems like i am having a problem with the water or somthing in it