Controlling Body Temperatures With PsA: Yes, I Am One Hot Mama!
I’m here today with a problem that has not been adequately studied by research but is happening to many of us with psoriatic arthritis.
Do you ever feel like somebody put your feet in burning hot oil? Do you ever find yourself sweating while the people around you are layered up in sweaters and coats? Do you ever feel like your face is burning as if you put your face in front of a hot air dryer? If yes, today’s article is just for you!
If it's not a fever, what was it?
Way back in the day, before I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, my body felt hot all the time. I thought I just had a fever coming on. I used to check my body temperature, and it to my surprise, it wasn’t a fever at all.
Honestly, my body was getting hot at different times that really didn't even make sense. I chalked it up to maybe an incoming psoriasis flare. After my diagnosis of PsA, these fluctuations in my body temperature finally started to make some semblance of sense. Fever fluctuations can be considered a common symptom.
Being hot all the time is not fun.
My body remained hot almost all the time. It’s a very uncomfortable feeling. I take the blanket on and off during the night, which drives me crazy. I wake up to my body soaked with sweat.
Even in the winter months, I cannot sit with people if there’s a heater or fire on. It’s really hard, honestly. I can’t even wear coats and jackets in winter because my body is generally hot. My feet, hands, and face get so disturbingly hot that I think of lying down on a block of ice to cool down.
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View all responsesMy own advice for regulating your body temperature
Of course, I discussed this uncomfortable symptom with my doctor as well. He had no explanation or treatment. There hasn’t been much research connecting PsA and body temperature. That said, I have got some ways of dealing with this hot body temperature based on my personal experience.
These techniques work for me, and they might help you as well.
Consider clothing!
While going out, I usually wear sleeveless or loose clothing to allow some air to enter my body. It helps to keep my body temperature stable. I even prefer wearing shoes without socks. I know, but otherwise, my feet burn like hell, and it gets all sweaty and messy.
Windows open, my friends
I try to keep my room and office windows open for ventilation. I avoid using heaters or radiators at the office and at home. Just do anything you can to keep your room a little cold.
The benefit of a cold shower
I take cool showers when I feel like my whole body is put on fire. That really helps. Also, if you feel like your head burning up, try putting some wet towels on your face.
Iced beverages all year round!
If I feel hot while I am out, I get some cold beverage, usually a frappe, to feel generally less hot. I also get a popsicle at times. It enlightens my mood as well.
A good soak can always help too
If I feel like my feet are getting really hot, I soak them in cold water for a few minutes. It helps to get the body temperature back to normal.
Do you have trouble regulating your body temperature?
My only downfall to this is that I have been married for 25 years. I have to keep our home at 68 degrees to feel normal. My poor husband. These are the techniques that have helped me, and I am leaving them here to help my fellow psurvivors since this issue has not been medically linked to PsA. Though I know, we all struggle.
Do you have trouble regulating your body temperature? Did your doctor have any advice? What do you do to keep comfortable?
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Do you also find it painful to sit for extended periods of time?
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