People often think of Raynaud’s as just a cold weather problem, but that simply isn’t the case. The interesting thing about Raynaud’s is it is just as much about temperature changes as it is about cold weather. And those that suffer with the syndrome often do so year round. Here are a few tips to help you manage Raynaud’s in the summertime.
Avoid Air Conditioning
Sudden changes in temperature can almost instantly trigger a Raynaud’s attack, so avoiding air conditioning is best. Especially if you know it is blasting at an extremely low temperature. Office buildings and restaurants are notorious for this setup. You may not be able to avoid the office completely, but you could ask for a desk location away from the air vents or one that resides near a sunny window. And when visiting that beachside restaurant request a table outside in the warmer air. You can still enjoy the food and ambiance while making it a bit easier to tolerate the swing in temps.
Prepare for the Freezer Section
The freezer section of the grocery store that is. The simple act of reaching into a cooler for groceries can trigger an exceptionally painful Raynaud’s attack. When grocery shopping we recommend bringing a light sweater to keep your core warm as well as a pair of light gloves. Slip the gloves on when in the frozen food section to provide and additional layer of protection against the cold.
Wear a Wetsuit
The shock of jumping into the pool should be refreshing, but for those with Raynaud’s it can be anything but. The change in temperature from the hot air to the cool water often triggers their Raynaud’s. If you love swimming, don’t give it up, just change your approach. Instead of plunging into the water, ease yourself in. Give your body time to acclimate to the change in temperature slowly. And consider a wetsuit when you know you’ll be in cooler temps for a longer period of time. Finally make sure you have a warm towel on hand for when you get out, giving yourself easy access to not only cray off but warm up.
Use a Beverage Holder
Ice cold beverages are great in the summertime, but holding them isn’t when you have Raynaud’s. We recommend using a can koozie or other insulated cup. That way you can still enjoy your favorite cold beverage, but your hands can stay warm.
Be sure to visit us on Facebook, at Staying Warm with Raynaud’s, for more tips and tricks to manage your Raynaud’s!
Check out our additional gear recommendations for managing your Raynaud’s year round.