Controlling Body Temperatures With PsA: Yes, I Am One Hot Mama!

By Diane T

3 min read

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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My 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?

This or That

Do you know what type(s) of psoriatic arthritis you have?

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Psoriatic-Arthritis.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Maia Member
Thank you for sharing Diane! While I was reading your post something did, finally, “click” for me. Although my overall body temp doesn’t feel hot, I have noticed that my feet really do feel uncomfortably hot…but only in the winter! I am constantly taking shoes and socks off, yet I can no longer walk around the house barefoot due to foot pain. So the shoes and socks come off, but as soon as I have to get up, they go back on. I sit down…they come off. I stand up…they go on. And so it continues. I also can’t sleep with blankets, sheets etc over my feet during winter months. Many times I’ve gotten out of bed to soak my feet in an ice cold bathtub. Honestly, jumping feet first into a snow bank sounds like heaven to me some days. And I live in Chicago, so who knows, I may just try it! 😂 Oddly enough, I don’t have this issue during the warm months. 
1. Great Nana Member
 <inline-mention username="Maia" user-id="4600747"/> To all in this thread: My podiatrist said walking barefoot is not good! I saw her shortly after my PsA diagnosis. My rheumy referred me to her because of my foot pain. It was plantar fasciitis. She showed me some foot stretches to do and gave me a coupon for good walking shoes (HOKA). They are amazingly comfortable. While at the "Sole Perfection" store, I also tried on a pair of OOFOS flip-flops. It was like walking on air, and they are well made so I bought a pair. They have a couple designs if you don't like the thong. I wear them alot around my apartment and outside in the summer. I highly recommend them! The next best thing to being barefoot.
2. jspears Member
 <inline-mention username="Maia" user-id="4600747"/> I also can't walk barefoot in the house. I wear arthritis friendly sandals year-round to help keep my feet cool.
Maia Member
Hi Vickie. Yes, that’s exactly what happened. I started noticing that walking barefooted was becoming simply too painful. Now that I think back on it - my feet started becoming painful many many years before my actual diagnosis. I now no longer go barefoot at all. In fact, I have to be careful to wear only good shoes (no more cute strappy heels) with full support or my orthotics. I guess the lesson I’ve learned (the hard way) is the importance of listening to my body. I never stopped to think about just how critically important feet are! So take good care of your feet Vickie! It will pay off in the long run. Maia
1. linsule Member
 <inline-mention username="Maia" user-id="4600747"/>, my feet hurt too if I walk barefooted. Yes, I have PsA and I’m in my late 50’s. I have great insurance and use Remicade. Yet, I learned from the pain that wearing sleeves or comprehension socks lessens my swelling and pain. They really work for swollen, painful feet!!
linsule Member
If you are a woman and still have cycles; it could be pre-menopause. If not, then have you seen an endocrinologist to get tested for your thyroid. Since we all have PsA and that is an autoimmune disease, we are all at risk for other autoimmune diseases. The thyroid tells the body what speed to do everything. If it goes too fast we can be too cold and if too slow you may feel too hot and eyes may bulge. Since other doctors don’t know the cause of you heat symptom see a board certified Endocrinologist and rule out Thyroid disease, and a host of other endocrine diseases.
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 That's good advice, <inline-mention username="linsule" user-id="3274708"/>. It's best not to always assume PsA is the cause because you might miss an important diagnosis. Thanks for weighing in. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
Ems Nana Member
Oh my gosh, yes! I’ve had trouble with my body temp for awhile and chalked it up to Being pre-menopausal then menopausal and now post menopausal. It never dawned on me that it might have something to do with my autoimmune conditions. I always have a fan around me. I have to.
TheresaG Member
Thank you, Diane, for bringing this issue to light. Yes, I’m 63 and suffer from hot flashes and night sweats from psoriatic arthritis. It was a lot of fun during perimenopause—a double-whammy! I almost always sleep with the ceiling fan on at night. Also, during a hot flash, placing an ice pack on my chest helps cool down my core. And of course, drinking lots of fresh-squeezed lime water with plenty of ice not only provides immediate relief reducing the body’s temperature, but also keeps inflammation, the root of psoriatic disease, in check.
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 That ice pack idea sounds cool and refreshing, <inline-mention username="TheresaG" user-id="4139229"/>. Thanks for sharing. Sending lost of cool wishes your way. - Lori (Team Member)
Great Nana Member
I sporadically have low-grade fevers of short duration with my PsA. I also do not tolerate heat. My thermostat is set at 67 (I live alone). I am fortunate to have an AC in my apartment and in my car. They run pretty much year-round, through all 4 seasons here in the PNW. I have to have my feet out from under mybedcovers. I also take socks off ASAP or don't wear them. I wear OOFOS flip flops a lot! Besid
sarahr Member
I am forever hot. Like you, it predated my diagnosis by some significant way. I can't believe it isnt a research topic in relation to PsA as it seems to be a key thing that effects so many of us. I am on Humira but it doesn't impact my temperatures and my severe night sweats. I wake with wet hair. I sleep with just a sheet on me. I have a fan directly on me in bed every night and I have to sneak the window open in winter when my oh is asleep. I am so convinced in the fever/ running hot link to P and PsA to the extent that I am worried about my 6 yr old daughter developing my condition. She is always hot when her dad and brother are not (I am, obviously with her on it!) and especially hot in bed, like me. She'd run around in just her knickers all the time if she could, not sure I would go that far 😀 When I ask her to put some clothes on, she moans she is far too hot!!
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="sarahr" user-id="3308910"/>. It's hard not to worry about passing these diseases on to children, but hopefully she is just one of those people who likes things cool. My two youngest boys are that way. They rarely wear jackets even in the worst of winter and they beg for air conditioning whenever the heat is on, (I am grateful for zone heating. They share a zone, so I can turn off their heat and open their bedroom windows.) Sending lots of gentle hugs your way. - Lori (Team Member)
CindyLouS Member
Thanks for talking about this subject! I have trouble Regulating my body temp and my Rheumatologist had no suggestions for how to deal with it. I have the burning feet that wake me up at night along with my whole body. My face will be hot and turn red for no reason. But, I also have the opposite and cannot get warm at times, especially in the winter(I live in Wisconsin). I seem to have extremes of either hot or cold. It’s nice to know I am not alone 😀
ddavis Member
Yes! Yes, and YES! In and out of the sheets, I check my temperature often, I wear open-toed Birkenstocks year round, and my husband freezes while I bead up! I do it all! And recently, I feel like I stepped in something warm(even though I have shoes on). It's such an odd feeling. 
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="ddavis" user-id="3282373"/>. The warmth in your feet might be nerve-related. Have you talked with you doctor about it? If it is nerve-related and it keeps you awake at night, there are medications that can help. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member) 
2. ddavis Member
 <inline-mention username="Lori.Foster" user-id="3297576"/>, I haven't, but I will in November (my next appointment).❤️
mnott1228 Member
Wow, I have been trying to figure out why I am hot all the time and never thought about it being PSA.
katrina1969 Member
I never connected being hot all the time with PsA. Makes sense, though.
Beckz Member
I actually do have this problem occasionally. I'll also get extremely cold after flare up. I've done some research into it from what I understand it's because of the swelling in your joints causing heat just like sometimes you're psoriasis itself will feel hot when the rest of you is cold. I live in Florida I understand it's not pleasant. But it's for your feet I did some research on that too and I found out that laying off certain foods can't help that. I slowly started adding certain anti-inflammatory foods into my diet. That seems to help with the body temperature thing. I can tell you a lot of water intake also helped. 
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="Beckz" user-id="6615100"/>. I am glad dietary changes can help. For certain people, diet seems to have a huge impact on PsA symptoms. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member) 
2. sarahr Member
 <inline-mention username="Beckz" user-id="6615100"/> Interesting. Any particular foods that you found particularly triggering for your symptoms? I'm considering trying a FODMAP diet, restricting moat foods then gradually introducing things back. Absolutely everything upsets my stomach at the moment!
CommunityMember1283 Member
My very favorite doctor response to this part of PsA is one I have heard too often by doctors, 'Hmmm, Well, that shouldn't be happening!' I am always polite, but I really want to reply, 'No, that shouldn't be happening, but it does.' I gave up trying to wear make-up. Yes, I am a stickler for natural fibers, wearing loose clothing, keeping my feet uncovered at night, & never going anywhere without a supply of cotton bandanas. I know of no studies about this & it has plagued me ever since I was diagnosed with PsA. It has been a lifetime of putting up with this & asking every doctor I have seen about the problem. Because it does not appear to put us at risk for any PsA problem (other than making us miserable), I have had no doctor who has really been interested in pursuing this. Grrrrrrrr!
jspears Member
The heat comes and goes with me. I'll be fine one minute and then start to overheat the next. I also keep the house at 68 degrees and my husband feels like I'm freezing him year-round. Poor fella. He just layers up though and toughs it out. Really glad to read it's not just me. Doc had nothing to say about it when I've brought it up.
rosah Member
Diane, I can't imagine being too hot all the time. I am cold all the time. As I read this, I kept trying to picture everything you are doing in reverse. So far, it hasn't worked for me. I'm still cold.
Diane T Moderator & Contributor
Hello <inline-mention username="rosah" user-id="4247255"/>, I will trade with you. I dream about being cold just for a few minutes. I sleep with the AC as low as possible until my husband fusses and I sleep with a fan. The body is strange, isn't it? Thanks for the comment. Diane (Team Member)
rosah Member
I wish we could trade at least some of the time. For me, cold hurts. It isn't just uncomfortable; it actually hurts. Hubby and I moved to Texas for about 12 years and I was so happy. I was warm for the first time in what seemed like forever. He hated it there. So we are back in Indiana where he is happy and I am miserable. One thing I have found that helps some is to wear marino wool long johns. They are expensive and worth every penny. 
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="rosah" user-id="4247255"/>. That must have been a difficult move for you. I am glad you found something that helps, but I hope this winter is mild and short-lived for your sake. Thinking of you and wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)
rosah Member
It was Lori. We have been back in Indiana for 12 years now and it hasn't gotten any easier in the winter. The summer offers the prettiest landscape anyone could want.
mlc470 Member
Hi <inline-mention username="Diane T" user-id="3306420"/> , it’s been a while since I’ve posted. I know this is an older post but I read it at the peak of this body of fire of mine! Whew. I’ve actually talked to my neurologist but she hasn’t given a lot of following up on it. I’m done with menopause, but my doctor tells me it’s probably that. It’s not, it’s a different kind of hot and the sweating 🥵 is like something not human!! Lol. It’s strange because I get hot when I sleep, I too throw off everything. But it happens all throughout the day too. Sometimes I have to change my clothing 4-5 times a day. One thing I’ve noticed is that when I’m sitting or standing it’s even worse. I’m living with my daughter right now and they keep their apartment like a sauna. My bedroom I never use heat and the window is cracked always but not at night because we are on the first floor. When it happens I look like I’ve come out of the shower and washed my hair. I’m dripping. It can be embarrassing but it’s what it is. My kids see me and I can tell they don’t know what to think! They are adults so it’s not to bad. I’ve noticed my son when I visit will keep his place cooler, if it’s for me… not sure. But he is very concerned if I’m comfortable. My daughter couldn’t give a hoot, as long as she has it at what feels 90 or 95’. I tend to stay in my room because otherwise I just am drenched. Interesting I talked to my rheumatologist and he didn’t have a clue either.
1. Diane T Moderator & Contributor
 Hello <inline-mention username="mlc470" user-id="3304462"/> , I understand what you are going through. I sweat even when I'm cold. I am so convinced that it has something to do with our illness. But, how can you prove it? My poor husband is freezing because of me. I'm uncomfortable with the heat above 62. The sad part is that I'm still sweating and miserable at times. I am 66 today (2/2), so it's not menopause as I have been told so many times before. I'm sorry your daughter doesn't understand, but most people don't have a clue what we go through. You nailed it, this is not human at all. I have been bringing this topic up since my late 40's. I could be in an air-conditioned room, but the sweat would be pouring off of me. Will your daughter let you use a fan? I got one and let it blow right on my face. Also, someone here told me about cooling pillows. I just got my mind a few days ago, it helps a lot. I hope you can find some comfort soon. It's no fun feeling like your body is on fire all the time. We are always here if you need us. Diane (Team Member) 
2. mlc470 Member
 <inline-mention username="Diane T" user-id="3306420"/> , Happy Birthday! Yes I have a fan, I blow it directly on me too! Lol. I wish sometimes doctors would look outside the box for answers.
Diane T Moderator & Contributor
Hello <inline-mention username="mlc470" user-id="3304462"/> , Not only do they not look outside the box, but they look at you as if you have 2 heads. I remember trying to explain to a doctor that I have had psoriatic disease for 60 years, so I know a little bit. He said, "Yes, but you are not the doctor". I do have a great dermatologist and rheumatologist now. They got me invited to the Dermatology Association meeting in Washington, DC. I was on stage with top doctors. I'm not sure if they heard me, or listened to me, but I did give a good spill. We just have to keep letting our voices be heard. Thanks for sharing and keep cool. Diane (Team Member)
mlc470 Member
<inline-mention username="Diane T" user-id="3306420"/> , that’s so neat you did that. I also have at the back of my Achilles tendon’s (both have ruptured in the past) but my skin gets so sensitive it hurts if you touch it. The Achilles swells too, I’ve talked to my rheumatologist about this and he has no idea what I was talking about. I’m pretty sure that enthesitis is a big part of psoriatic arthritis. Sometimes I wish I wasn’t the doctor! You should have told him to do his job and you wouldn’t have to be the doc! LoL. Just kidding, kind of.
Diane T Moderator & Contributor
Hello <inline-mention username="mlc470" user-id="3304462"/> , this sounds so painful. What do the doctors do so you can get some relief? Diane (Team Member)

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