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Can rheumatoid arthritis cause excessive sweating?

Yes, many people with rheumatoid arthritis experience excessive sweating and feeling overheated, even without a fever or high external temperatures. This is a real symptom that affects quality of life, though it's not as commonly discussed as joint pain or fatigue.

What Show Full Answer

Can rheumatoid arthritis cause excessive sweating?

Yes, many people with rheumatoid arthritis experience excessive sweating and feeling overheated, even without a fever or high external temperatures. This is a real symptom that affects quality of life, though it's not as commonly discussed as joint pain or fatigue.

What it feels like:

People with RA describe sweating in different ways:
- Sudden internal heat followed by sweating, then feeling cold again
- Night sweats so severe they wake up with wet hair and beads of sweat
- Constant sweating throughout the day
- Hot flashes similar to menopause

As a myRAteam member shared, "I experience excessive sweating all day, every day. The RA alone is causing me to sweat like I never have before."

What causes it:

The exact cause isn't fully understood, but several factors may contribute:
- RA inflammation may affect the brain's ability to regulate body temperature
- Autonomic dysfunction, where the body doesn't properly manage automatic functions like temperature control
- Certain RA medications (like methotrexate and prednisone) can cause sweating and hot flashes as side effects

Managing the sweating:

Consider these approaches:
- Talk to your rheumatologist about medication adjustments if your current treatment causes sweating
- Wear layers you can remove
- Take cool showers, especially before bed
- Drink iced beverages or eat frozen foods
- Soak your feet in cold water

If sweating is affecting your daily life, discuss it with your healthcare provider to find the best management plan for you.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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