Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does anyone else experience heat intolerance with their RA?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Royal Palm Beach, FL

I'm not sure if it's the meds (prednisone and Actemra) or just another one of the things that RA adds to my life. I have lived in south Florida my whole life, so I am definitely used to the heat, but it's getting worse and worse. Yesterday I tried to take a little nature hike, and by 9:00 am I was so hot I had to go home. I am photosensitive so I already have to cover up with hat, spf clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses at all times. Now it doesn't seem like I am going to be able to go outside all… read more

June 6, 2016
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members overwhelmingly confirmed that heat intolerance is a common and frustrating reality with rheumatoid arthritis, with many attributing it... Read more

Members overwhelmingly confirmed that heat intolerance is a common and frustrating reality with rheumatoid arthritis, with many attributing it to medications like methotrexate, prednisone, and Actemra, which can cause photosensitivity, hot flashes, and profuse sweating that leaves hair soaked and faces dripping. Several members shared practical coping strategies, including using cooling towels, ice collars, compression gloves, handheld fans, dual air conditioning controls, and planning outdoor activities only in cooler months or early mornings. A recurring theme was the emotional toll of losing beloved summer activities and outdoor hobbies, balanced by humor, mutual encouragement, and the relief of knowing they are not alone in this struggle.

A myRAteam Member

I'm on Florida and am having a more terrible time than usual with the heat!!! I am always hot hot hot and not in a good way. I am hot and sweaty and stinky!! I keep calling the a/c people complaining (I know they think I am crazy!) The a/c and fans go all the time. Whew! I'm so happy to see your post :)

June 7, 2016
A myRAteam Member

I feel the heat more also,but I find that I sweat from my head down. My hair gets soaked. Never had this before even when I was getting hot flashes. Dr. told me that many of these meds. increase the heat in our bodies and we have zero tolerence.

September 19, 2016
A myRAteam Member

Sun/heat...what is that...lol. Seriously...YES!!! I can't tolerate it at all now. I have 10 autoimmun and connetive tissue diseases so it's horrible...You're not alone and you are not the only one. Hang in there..I know it's a pain in the butt. My prayers are with you..I have chronic RA.....I feel your frustration.

June 6, 2016
A myRAteam Member

I live in south Florida also and have a terrible time with the heat. I take MTX also. I experience shortness of breath when walking for more than 30 min in the heat. I also start swelling and become exhausted. I can't stay in it anymore.

June 6, 2016
A myRAteam Member

It has gotten even worse with age ! I feel better that others sweat from the head down and their hair gets soaked!

August 18, 2018

Related Questions

View All
RA Life Expectancy: Does RA Affect Life Span?
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Does RA Affect the Eyes?
Managing Stress With RA