Practical Ways to Manage Lipedema Symptoms During the Summer
Did you have a heat wave last week where you lived? It seemed like the entire country was at 90+ degrees. Where I live, we were easily in the 100s throughout the week. My swelling got a little worse, as normal. It made me think about how, in the sweltering days of summer, those of us with lipedema face unique challenges in staying cool and comfortable. Heat exacerbates our condition, making it difficult for our bodies to manage fluid properly, which worsens swelling and discomfort.
Last week, I wrote about managing compression during the summer. Here are other strategies, beyond compression, to help manage lipedema symptoms and maintain comfort during the hot months.
I hope these tips can bring you significant relief!
Hydrate Consistently
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps to stay hydrated and helps reduce swelling. I carry a water bottle everywhere to stay hydrated (I like ice-cold water, so mine’s thermal and keeps my ice from melting quickly).
Add hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges to your diet, whatever it allows. This is the perfect time of year with all summer fruits in season!
Choose Breathable Fabrics
Opt for clothing made from lightweight, breathable materials like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking fabrics to keep cool.
Look for compression garments designed for warm weather using breathable and moisture-wicking materials.
If you missed my article last week, read more about keeping cool in compression here.
Stay Cool Indoors
The hottest part of the day in the summer is between 3-6 pm. I usually head indoors during that time. But if it’s 100 degrees at noon, I’m inside.
If there’s no air conditioning, a fan to circulate air helps keep the indoors cooler. Have fun with it; talk into the fan and make a weird alien voice like when you were a kid.
Taking cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature helps, and the cool water also helps lymphatic drainage.
Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely
Plan outdoor activities in the early morning or late evening to avoid the hottest parts of the day. I’m a morning girl, so I’ll go for a walk first thing in the morning and do my gardening and any outdoor chores before it gets too hot.
Of course, apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. A sunburn can aggravate the lymphatic system and cause more swelling.
Wear some bug repellent. Does anyone have mosquitos that love them? Why do my bug bites turn into large, festering blisters? Is it the decreased lymphatic flow or the vasculature? Because my body reacts this way, I try to avoid bugs altogether. There are natural ways to repel bugs; vanilla extract is one of them (I just learned this yesterday!).
Incorporate Gentle Movement
Engage in water-based exercises, such as swimming or water aerobics, which provide natural compression and help reduce swelling. I have a little outdoor pool to put on our patio, which is a godsend on those really hot days!
Take short, frequent walks to promote circulation, but avoid overexertion in the heat. It's better to take that walk before it gets too hot!
Use your compression pump a little more. When I have some extra swelling, I’ll take time for extra self-care and hang out longer in my compression pump. That passive, gentle lymph drainage helps so much.
These tips can help manage lipedema symptoms while staying cool and comfortable during summer. Do you have any tricks you use?
Shared with my EC NC Lippy ladies!