Last Updated on December 12, 2023 by Cathy
Staying cool with multiple sclerosis (MS) is essential, especially for those with heat intolerance. Whether it’s finding shade, using cooling products, or adjusting indoor environments, there are various ways to make staying cool a manageable and enjoyable experience.
When I was a kid I loved summer! No school, swimming, floating down the river, running through the grass barefoot. Unfortunately for me and other people with heat intolerance, those days are over. Now I have to worry about staying cool with MS.
I suffer from heat intolerance thanks to Multiple Sclerosis (MS), now on hot days I’m more of a hermit. I hid in my air-conditioned house with the curtains drawn shut to keep the sun out, only coming out when it was cooler.
In my area this week, the weather reporters are claiming record highs for the next few days. Not just record highs for the week but record highs ever! Thank Goodness for the air conditioning!
I can’t tell you how many times this has happened to me, my body just starts shutting down. My eyes, weakness in my legs, my face is extremely red, the tingling & numbness, it takes me hours to cool back down. Even riding in an air-conditioned car if the sun is shining on me it affects me.
Why does heat make MS symptoms worse?
MS attacks the myelin sheath of the brain and spinal cord that protects the nerves. It makes them more sensitive to heat and body temperature changes. It’s estimated that 60-80% of MS patients experience temporary worsening from heat exposure.
For many years, doctors would immerse a person in a hot tub of water. As their neurological symptoms worsened this was evidence the patient had MS.
A Little Unknown MS Fact
It is common for people with MS & heat intolerance to not sweat. This is due to MS lesions occurring in areas of the brain. It’s responsible for the control & regulation of body temperature. resulting in impaired sweat glands. Sweat is actually a good thing. It helps cool our bodies down and helps prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Prevention is your best defense
Prevention is your best defense against heat sensitivity. Limit your time outside in extremely hot or humid conditions. Avoid taking long hot showers, baths, hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas. Watch for signs that you are getting overheated and start cooling down.
1 – Stay Indoors
Staying indoors with air conditioning can be your best defense on extremely hot days. If you must go outdoors be out earlier in the day when it’s cooler, don’t spend long periods of time outdoors in the heat. Go to the mall, the movies or the library anywhere there’s air conditioning.
2 – Breathable Clothing
Wear loose & lightweight “breathable” clothing, material like cotton. Lighter colored clothing also help reflect the heat & keep you cooler.
3 – Cooling Products
There are a number of cooling products on the market to choose from. Cooling vests, neck wraps, bandanas, and evaporative hats can be cold-treated to help you beat the heat. Cooling packs or ice packs (like the ones that come with our medicines) can help. Dampen & refrigerate a towel to drape around your neck or on top of your head. Dipping your hat in cool water & placed on your head can help. Fill a water bottle & freeze, not for drinking but used as an ice pack.
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) offers cooling vests and accessories. They’re for adults and children diagnosed with MS. MSAA Cooling Program provides products at no charge for those who qualify. They ship the items directly to you, you’ll need to fill out an application to qualify.
4 – Cool/Icy Beverages
Drink plenty of fluids, water being the best choice, to stay well hydrated. Avoid caffeine & alcohol because it dehydrates the body. Add a handful of berries, citrus & some seasonings to a pitcher of water & refrigerate. As you’re drinking the water keep adding more water to the pitcher, this will last a few more days.
- Lemon & strawberries
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Orange, lemon & lime
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Cherry & lime
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Pineapple & mint
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Strawberry & cucumber
Freeze these combinations use as ice cubes, popsicles or crush in the blender and make a slushy. Smoothies using fruit & vegetables, Kombucha or good old-fashioned iced tea.
5 – Take a Dip
Take a dip in some cool or tepid water around 80-84º. Too hot can raise your body temperature, too cold and you could suffer from spasticity. When outdoors be sure to stay out of the sun.
6 – Fans
Feeling the cool air from fans can be a great relief, use portable handheld fans & misters to take with you.
7 – Common Sense
Stay out of the sun during the heat of the day. If you’re in your car use a baby shield in the car window to keep the sun off you. The important thing is to stay out of the heat and stay cool! Staying cool with MS is super important – it helps you feel more comfortable and takes care of your well-being by managing temperature effectively.
What helps you to stay cool during the hot weather?
UPDATE: In 2016 I started a Candida diet, and a few months later I noticed my heat intolerance was gone. I can now stay outside even on hot days and enjoy the summer again! Not only that, my knees used to stiffen up so much during winter, that I could hardly bend them and that also cleared up.
