Cold weather flare ups

[Sunshine634]

Good morning,

Does anyone have any tips or tricks, I've been on my medication since April (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine) I have rheumatoid and lupus overlap.

I'm having a flare up and think it's weather related but I cant seem to find a happy medium. When my hands are warm my joints are less painful but my rashes are insatiable, when my hands are cold my reynards kicks in my joints are stiff but my rash settles.

Both options are painful and I'm just struggling to find the right balance. Swollen red itchy frustrating or painful stiff dead hands 🙈

[avionne]

hi i layer up and have heated gloves, i also put self heating thing i got from poundland , you pop it in your socks and stays heated for up to 8 hours. in regards to flare side of joint pains i make golden tea that is tumeric with warm milk( oatmilk) , with black pepper and a bit of coconut oil b12 injections also help

[Wytchylady in reply to avionne]

Hi. I've got gloves designed for people with Raynaud's. I have a heated pad that I put behind me when sitting down that provides some relief. A friend who's an avid hill walker and has Raynaud's. She suggested some heat packs she uses. They are thin enough to slip inside gloves or socks. Amazon sell them in packs and most shops that sell walking and climbing gear have them.

If it's possible, rest up during a flare. It takes time, months for the medications to get a grip. You'll be on regular blood tests being on Methotrexate. If you don't get feedback you could ask to see what your results are showing. X

[Paprika60]

Hi, I used to suffer in a similar way. The cold temperature completely worsens my condition. Here is my suggestion. Keep your wrists, hands, ankle and feet with warm items such as fingerless cashmere gloves and extra layers of warm socks and hot water bottle (in bed at night). And put cooling items on rash areas such as pure aloe vera gel, chickweed cream (by Napier) and they do help. I used to calm the areas down with ice pack towel! If you can manage to keep the over all temperature of your room just right (mine is 22), this could help to balance and prevent trigger point. Hope you get relief soon!

[Sunshine634]

Thank you all for your useful tips and for taking the time to reply it is appreciated xx