Summer Months Present Raynaud's Challenges

For individuals with Raynaud’s disease, the summer months can bring a unique set of challenges that may not be immediately obvious. While most people associate Raynaud’s with cold weather, the condition can also be triggered by factors such as stress, changes in temperature, and even exposure to air conditioning. It’s therefore important for Raynaud’s sufferers to be aware of these potential triggers and take steps to prepare for or avoid them during the warmer months.

Temperature Fluctuations

One of the toughest challenges for Raynaud’s sufferers in the summer is the fluctuation in temperature. While hot weather may seem like a welcome relief from the cold, sudden dramatic changes in temperature can still trigger a Raynaud’s attack. To prepare for this, it’s important for individuals with Raynaud’s to dress in layers and always carry a sweater or jacket with them, even on hot days. This way, they can easily adjust to changes in temperature – up or down – and avoid triggering an attack.

Summer Air Conditioning

Another challenge for Raynaud’s sufferers in summer months is air conditioning. Spending time in air-conditioned spaces, such as offices, stores, or restaurants, can cause sudden temperature changes that may trigger a Raynaud’s attack. To avoid this issue, individuals with Raynaud’s should dress warmly when going into air-conditioned spaces and consider carrying gloves or hand warmers to help maintain circulation in their hands. Also, adding a scarf or a shawl can provide an extra layer that helps warm the core. While fashionable strappy sandals may be tempting, shoes and socks can help keep toes warm in challenging spaces.

If you’ll be sitting in an air conditioned area for several chilly hours (e.g., at work or in a movie theatre), consider investing in heated apparel to provide extra warmth around the core when needed. Companies like Gobi, Volt, and Venustas make quality heated vests, jackets and hoodies that offer stylish warmth. Or consider a HEATJAC Hot Liner that’s a slim vest holding large disposable heat packs that can fit under other garments. Another option is to cover up with a heated blanket like the portable one from Cozee. It adds a warm layer draped around legs in chilly, air-conditioned offices or theatres without being tethered to an electric cord. Also a great option for outdoor events where it’s just a little too nippy for comfort – a sweater or a jacket can cover the upper body, but the lower body could use a warm hug, as well!

Seasonal Stress in Summer Months

In addition to temperature changes, stress can also be a trigger for Raynaud’s attacks. The summer months are often a busy time filled with social events, vacations, and outdoor activities, which can all contribute to increased stress levels. For this reason, Raynaud’s sufferers can benefit from practicing stress-reducing wellness techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi and biofeedback which can work for some sufferers in minimizing the severity of Raynaud’s attacks. These methods can require a great deal of practice and commitment and won’t be effective for everyone, particularly those with more the more severe secondary form of Raynaud’s, but may be worth exploring. In any case, prioritizing self-care during the summer months can provide a calm respite from the busy travel and social demands of the season.

It’s also important to find ways to manage stress in the workplace. Consider talking to your manager about implementing stress-reducing initiatives in the office, such as offering yoga classes or mindfulness workshops.

Tips for Cold Office Challenges

Offices can be especially challenging in summer months, as workers can have little to no control over the temperature. Here are a few specific tips for avoiding Raynaud’s attacks in cold office environments:

Stay active: Keep moving throughout the day to help improve circulation and keep your body warm. Take short breaks to walk around the office or do some light stretching exercises at your desk. Regular movement can help prevent blood from pooling in your extremities and causing a Raynaud’s attack.
Stay hydrated: Dehydration can make Raynaud’s symptoms worse, so be sure to drink plenty of water or other liquids throughout the day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can constrict blood vessels and make it harder for blood to flow to your extremities.
Use a space heater: If your office is particularly cold, consider using a space heater to help keep your workspace warm. Place the heater near or under your desk to provide direct heat to your extremities. Just be sure to follow safety guidelines and avoid placing the heater too close to flammable materials.
Keep fingers warm: Disposable hot packs like HotHands®, and rechargeable hand warmers like those from Ocoopa are useful defenses in a cold office. Typing can be particularly challenging with frozen fingers. One option is fingerless gloves like those from Wristies, Refiber Designs and Limbkeepers. Another solution are thin, stretchy “second skin” gloves like those from The Writer’s Glove.

Overall, the key to managing Raynaud’s disease in the summer months is awareness and preparation. By being mindful of potential triggers, such as temperature changes, air conditioning, and stress, individuals with Raynaud’s can take steps to avoid attacks and enjoy the warmer months to the fullest. With the right strategies in place, summer can be a much more manageable season for those living with this widespread but little known medical condition.

For more on stress and Raynaud’s, give these articles a read:

8 Science-backed Ways to Relieve Stress

Simple Stress (and Raynaud’s) Relievers

COVID Stress Can Boost Raynaud’s Woes

Here are more resources regarding chilly office environments:

Cold Office Survival Tips from Money Magazine

The Big Debate: Office Temperature

Workers Are More Productive in Warmer Offices

Summertime, and the Livin’ is Freezing

College Humor Video: Why Summer is Women’s Winter

Office Chills? There’s an App for That!

Can an Office Temperature Be ‘Sexist’? Women, and Science, Say So