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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 heat affect anyone else?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Rep of Ireland
July 13
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members rallied around the question of whether heat affects RA, with many sharing that high temperatures, humidity, and barometric pressure... Read more

Members rallied around the question of whether heat affects RA, with many sharing that high temperatures, humidity, and barometric pressure changes all trigger increased pain, swelling, and fatigue. Several members described specific struggles like swollen fingers and ankles, difficulty breathing in humidity, and feeling completely drained after just a short time outdoors, especially those living in hot climates like Texas. A recurring theme was the comfort of knowing others share the same experience, with many expressing relief and solidarity in not feeling alone.

myRAteam

You're definitely not alone! Many people with RA find that heat — and humidity in particular — can trigger or worsen flares. It's a very common experience in the RA community.

A myRAteam member shared, "Humidity is a big no-no for me," while another said, "When I go to the cooler weather or humidity, I really know I have Show Full Answer

You're definitely not alone! Many people with RA find that heat — and humidity in particular — can trigger or worsen flares. It's a very common experience in the RA community.

A myRAteam member shared, "Humidity is a big no-no for me," while another said, "When I go to the cooler weather or humidity, I really know I have RA." So yes, the struggle is very real. Many myRAteam members also report feeling overheated or experiencing excessive sweating as part of their RA symptoms — even without being in a hot environment. This can include:

- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Feeling hot internally while not feeling warm to the touch
- Sweating throughout the day

One myRAteam member described it as, "The RA alone is causing me to sweat like I never have before. It's absolutely miserable!" If heat and humidity seem to be making things worse, some members have found relief by moving to drier climates. One myRAteam member noted that lower humidity and higher elevation made a significant difference for them.

It's always worth discussing these triggers with a rheumatologist, as managing your environment can be one piece of the puzzle in keeping flares under control.

July 13
A myRAteam Member

Heat gets to me. I sweat a lot as well. Get really tired. Learned to rest.

July 21
A myRAteam Member

Any barometric pressure change affects me. In the heat or cold.

July 13
A myRAteam Member

High humidity is when I tend to be very uncomfortable and feel pain in my fingers.

July 21
A myRAteam Member

Oh yes Monica! I think I spent a little to much time outside yesterday. I have definitely been less heat tolerant over the last 2 years. Texas is HOT AND HUMID! So I can't exactly get away from it easily in the summer months. I love being outside, but even just a few hours in the morning can absolutely zap me.

July 15

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