Like many people with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other forms of autoimmune arthritis, I have experienced increased heat and sun sensitivity. This makes it difficult to engage in meaningful summer time activities like playing on the beach, hiking and sightseeing when I’m traveling.
I also have to avoid prolonged sun exposure because I’m on methotrexate (which increases photosensitivity, aka light / sun sensitivity) and I have a family history of skin cancer.
Here are just a few of my favorite products and tips for beating the heat and sun – in addition to these, I also stay in the shade for the hottest / sunniest parts of the day and try to pace myself if I absolutely have to be out in the sun and/or heat!
To learn more about sun and heat sensitivity with rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions, here are some links I have found helpful:
- Arthritis Foundation – Expert Q&A: RA Medications and Sun Exposure
- Everyday HEalth: Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication: Beware of Sunburn if You Take These Drugs
- CreakyJoints: Photsensitivity and Arthritis: How to Protect Yourself
- Medical News Today: Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Cause Heat Sensitivity?
- The Link Between Autonomic Nervous System and Rheumatoid Arthritis: From Bench to Bedside
- AdvancedRheum.com: How To Manage Hot Weather Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups
- Seasonal and Weather Effects on Rheumatoid Arthritis: Myth or Reality?
- THU0633 Temperature sensitivity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
