Whew Ya’ll, it’s HOT!
As a fellow lipedema patient, I know firsthand how challenging summer can be when you’re dealing with swelling and the need for compression. The heat can make wearing our essential garments feel like torture, but I’ve learned some tricks from other ladies to stay cool while managing my lipedema symptoms.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to keep wearing our compression, even when temperatures soar. I’ve found that for myself, swelling tends to worsen in hot weather (add humidity, and whoa mama!), making compression even more important. To make it more bearable, I’ve switched to summer-weight compression garments when I know I’m going to be out walking around, and not in the pool. Personally, I’ve had success with Czalus Summer Weight compression. These garments are designed to be more breathable while still providing the support I need.
Here are some strategies I use to beat the heat while wearing compression:
1. I keep a few pairs of compression garments in the refrigerator or freezer. Putting on a chilled garment provides instant relief on hot days. It seemed so weird to try this, but then when I put on a pair and heard myself sigh I was like OK this is doable.
2. I carry a small spray bottle filled with ice water to mist my compression garments throughout the day. This quick spritz helps cool me down when I’m out and about. One of the things I noticed is that I do not like to spray anyplace that rub or touches though. Like the outside of the legs and behind the knee is great, but I don’t well, spray the crotch. I don’t know how else to say it. One note on this, if you’re not already washing your garments after every use, it’s really important to do this in the summer. Compression makes you sweaty and it can hold in bacteria, so do your skin a favor and only wear clean compression.
3. I’ve incorporated peppermint oil into my skincare routine. Adding a few drops to my body lotion or scrub gives a cooling sensation that lasts for hours at night after I’ve peeled off the compression and washed up for the day.
4. I’ve adjusted my wardrobe to accommodate compression and heat. Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing like maxi dresses or shorter dress tops over compression help me stay cool. Also, I wear more sandals in the summer to keep my feet cool but still getting the arch support I need, and I wear sleeveless tops a lot too, again to keep some air on me.
5. Staying hydrated is key. I start and end every day with a big glass of water, and then always carry a big, cold water bottle and add snacks of chilled fresh fruits and vegetables during the day to help regulate my body temperature. Right now I”m really into strawberries, watermelon, and cucumber slices.
6. For nighttime comfort, I’ve switched to satin or silk sheets and suddenly find myself happy to sleep under a sheet instead of my mega comforter. They allow my skin to glide easily and help regulate temperature, making sleep more comfortable. I personally don’t normally sleep in compression and I enjoy this time with ‘free legs.’
7. If you’ve followed me for long, you know I swim a lot. For some reason if I’m swimming in the heat, I still need to wear a hat to keep my head from getting too hot. It turns out a hot head (for me), makes me feel headachy and exhausted, so yes, I’m now that old lady wearing a big brimmed hat in the pool and I couldn’t be happier about it.
8. On particularly hot days, I use a pneumatic compression pump at home. It helps reduce fluid build-up and gives me a break from wearing compression garments all day. A lot of people use their pumps daily, even several times a day, where I have an at home pool and prefer to get in the water to work out fluid when I can. There are times though when even the water isn’t enough so my pump is there to work it out in an organized way while I read or blog. Note I recommend a prescribed pump like an Airos pump, Lympha Press or Flexitouch and I do avoid anything just bought online. You can actually damage your lymphatics and waste money with pumps that aren’t regulated. So be careful about buying cheap pumps online.
9. I used to let myself get sunburned a lot. Now though, I’m diligent about using sunscreen and avoiding prolonged sun exposure to prevent sunburns, which can exacerbate swelling. Who knew, but it’s true.
10. Honestly if we’re out and about and I’m wearing compression, I find shade. I caught myself the other day visiting with friends in the parking lot. My husband was standing in the full sun and I took about ten steps away to stand in a shady spot. Anything I can do to not just be roasting in the sun for no reason is a good thing.
By implementing these strategies, I’ve found that I can manage my lipedema symptoms more effectively during the summer months while staying as cool and comfortable as possible. It’s all about finding what works best for you and your body. I’m not a doctor and this isn’t medical advice, so don’t hesitate to discuss summer management strategies with your healthcare provider to tailor a plan that suits your specific needs. I hope this helps someone though!
Stay cool, friends!
Susan
