As the temperature drops and winter sets in, many individuals look forward to cozying up by the fireplace and enjoying the beauty of the season. However, for people living with lupus, cold weather can bring a host of challenges. Exposure to cold temperatures can exacerbate lupus symptoms and even cause flares. In this blog post, we’ll explore some essential tips and strategies to help those with lupus not only survive but thrive during the winter months.
Before we delve into the strategies for coping with cold weather, it’s important to understand lupus. Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs. This can result in a wide range of symptoms, including joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, and sensitivity to sunlight. The disease can affect each person differently, and its triggers can vary from person to person.
The Impact of Cold Weather on Lupus
Cold weather can be especially challenging for individuals with lupus. The following are some common ways in which cold weather can affect those with the condition:
- Increased Pain and Stiffness: The cold can cause joints and muscles to become more painful and stiff, which is particularly troublesome for people with lupus, as joint pain is a common symptom of the disease.
- Reduced Circulation: Cold weather can cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to the extremities. This can lead to Raynaud’s phenomenon, a condition that causes the fingers and toes to become white or blue and can be quite painful for lupus patients.
- Weakened Immune System: Lupus patients already have an overactive immune system, and exposure to cold can weaken their immune response, making them more susceptible to infections.
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Tips for Surviving Cold Weather with Lupus
Dress Warmly: Layering is key to staying warm. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin, add an insulating layer for warmth, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Don’t forget to protect your extremities with gloves, hats, and warm socks.
Stay Active: Regular, gentle exercise can help improve circulation and reduce stiffness. Indoor activities like yoga, tai chi, or swimming can be excellent choices, as they are low-impact and kind to the joints.
Natural remedies:
Extra joint pain can be managed with oral or topical CBD. CBD helps reduce pain and inflammation when applied topically. I prefer using a topical because that’s what I’ve found to work the best. I’ve linked my favorite CBD cream at the moment. To read more about CBD cream and pain management check out our post “CBD for feet swelling”.
If the cold weather makes your knee pain or arthritis worse you should look into turmeric tea. Curcumin, an active component in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and arthritis pain. To activate curcumin black pepper needs to be added so the anti-inflammatory benefits can be received. The tea linked is the BEST turmeric tea I’ve tried. Even after ordering from specialty tea shops and small businesses I always get instant pain relief from the traditional medicinal turmeric tea. If I’m having a lot of inflammation I will throw two of these tea bags in one cup with some black pepper and eat a sweet potato. My pain and inflammation are gone or dramatically reduced in 30 minutes.
Keep Your Home Warm: Maintaining a warm and cozy home environment is crucial. Use space heaters, electric blankets, and heating pads to create a warm and comfortable space to relax in. Personally, I like to use a space heater to stay warm. I’ve linked the one I use and love. Be warned your family member will try and steal it. My space heater has been on a timeshare between me and my sister since I got it.
Use Heating Pads: Heating pads or warm compresses can help alleviate joint pain and stiffness. Apply them to affected areas for short periods to relieve discomfort.
Stay Hydrated: The cold can be dehydrating, so be sure to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated can help reduce the risk of Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Plan Outdoor Activities Carefully: When venturing outside, try to do so during the warmest part of the day and limit your exposure. Wear appropriate clothing and protect your extremities from the cold.
Protect Your Skin: Lupus patients often have sensitive skin, so it’s important to use sunscreen when going outside, even on overcast days. Also, use moisturizers to prevent dry skin that can be exacerbated by the cold and wind. Check out our blog post on skincare products for Lupus skin.
I’ve talked about the Elta-MD sunscreen too many times to count at this point. It’s just that good, especially for sensitive skin. It’s the #1 dermatologist-recommended sunscreen for a reason! But it is around $40. I will link price affordable options below!
Manage Stress: Stress can trigger lupus flares. Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness to keep stress at bay during the winter months.
Consult Your Doctor: If you’re experiencing increased symptoms or discomfort in the cold, consult your healthcare provider. They can adjust your treatment plan or provide additional guidance for managing lupus during the winter.
Surviving cold weather with lupus requires preparation, awareness, and self-care. By following these tips and strategies, individuals with lupus can better manage their symptoms and enjoy the winter months. Remember that lupus affects everyone differently, so it’s important to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed to maintain your well-being during the colder seasons.
