MS-friendly ways to keep cool during a heatwave

The UK’s latest heatwave is bringing never-seen-before temperature and humidity highs to British shores and whilst the sunshine boosts mental health and wellbeing, it can play havoc with multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms.

People with MS often experience worsened symptoms – like fatigue and weakness – when their core body temperature rises. This is known as Uhthoff’s phenomenon.

But there are ways to best navigate this sweltering time including active cooling, pacing activities and environmental control.

You can also try:

Use cooling gear Try neck wraps with ice packs for instant relief

Target pulse points Cold flannels and ice cloths placed on your neck, wrists and ankles will help quickly lower your temperature

Stay hydrated Might feel obvious but ensure you sip cold water throughout the day and try frozen fruit and ice lollies as a welcomed treat, too. Avoid alcohol and caffeine where possible.

Modify your activities Schedule outdoor tasks and exercises during the cooler early hours, or later in the evening. It’s still important to get fresh air and vitamin D from the sunshine when you can but choose wisely. Why not give water aerobics or swimming in unheated pools? There are lots of lidos available across the UK.

Dress wisely Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing ideally made of breathable fabrics like natural cotton and linen.

Remain cool indoors too Use fans and air conditioning to keep living spaces comfortable. Try a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan for extra cold blasts. Bathe in tepid water and lower the temperature as you see fit.

Our Helpline Officer Shaun has a surprisingly quick and easy tip to keep cool this summer when you have MS heat sensitivity and it all starts from the bottom up…

‘MS heat sensitivity can leave you feeling like you need to jump into a cold pool. Your feet are home to thousands of nerve endings and play an integral part in helping you to control your body’s temperature.

‘Keeping your feet cool can be a quick and easy way to prevent overheating. For example, fill a bowl or bucket with cold water and dip your feet into it, place a damp towel over your feet, spray your feet with cool water or a specialist cooling foot spray, such as ones infused with peppermint that help to promote that cooling sensation.’

If you have any questions about multiple sclerosis, call our helpline free on 0800 783 0518 and speak to one of our helpline information officers. The MS-UK Helpline is open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.