By Ed Lash
In the last two columns, we looked at a surprisingly common aspect of multiple sclerosis (MS): the tendency of some people with MS to never perspire, even in warm and humid weather. We discussed some of the relatively serious health issues related to non-perspiration. Now we are going to look at methods to counter this deficit.
When dealing with health professionals, be sure to inform them if you don’t sweat, if you sweat very little, or if you only sweat in certain areas of the body. Ask your doctor if your no- sweat condition can be treated or might be the result of medication, and don’t assume it is caused by MS until confirmed by your doctor. During supervised exercise, remind your physical therapist to use some of the relief strategies mentioned at the end of this article and in other sources. If you are hospitalized, let the hospital staff know that you require coolness to avoid being confined to a hot, stuffy room. At the very least, even at normal hospital room temperature, if the patient feels warm, a portable fan could be installed for comfort.
If your body can’t make perspiration efficiently at this time, or if you are otherwise heat sensitive, the best strategy is to develop techniques for relief. Keep in mind that however, extreme cold temperatures may aggravate existing conditions in some people with MS.
Here are some practical suggestions:
• Install a home and car air conditioner.
• Wipe your arms, face, and neck regularly with a wet cloth-especially during exercise, during hot and humid weather, during each afternoon, or whenever heat situations affect you personally.
• Go swimming regularly in a cool water pool. (This seems to be the most recommended strategy.)
• Take only cool showers; start off with warm water, then gradually cool it down.
• Read in a tub partially filled with lukewarm or cool water.
• Sit with your feet in a pan of water or kiddie pool.
• Before prolonged physical activity on an especially hot day, take a shower wearing a bathing suit, socks, hat, and T-shirt; damp dry all over and put on sneakers; then do what you need to do in damp, but not dripping, clothes, but not anywhere near electricity or electrical items.
• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals, especially for lunch as they add heat to your body; concentrate on fruits and vegetables.
• Use fans. Air movement reduces heat stress by removing extra body heat, especially if exposed skin is kept moist.
• Carry and use “Wipettes” or other moist cleaning pads, to help relieve heat situations away from home.
• Try MISTY MATE, an inexpensive quart-size, insulated carrying unit that creates a refreshing mist on demand and keeps you cool anywhere you go, but especially when you are physically active. (Call MISTY MATE at 800-2336478 for a free brochure)
• Especially during physical activity, try exhaling through your mouth since more heat is dissipated from your body that way.
• Wear a headband, neck band, and/or wristbands soaked in cold water.
• One individual with MS eases the heat by sewing “blue ice” into his hat.
• Another simply uses a small bag of ice cubes on his head with an insulating washcloth between his head and the ice.
• Another runs cold tap water over her wrists periodically.
• Look into a cooling vest, put out in assorted styles by various companies.
• Do things slowly and calmly; stay cool emotionally; try relaxation techniques.
• And don’t forget to SMILE! It’s always a good strategy for getting over the rough spots.
Further Reading: “Special Report on Cold Stress (Hypothermia) and Heat Stress”, Knauer (Available free upon request from: U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs, Washington, DC 20201.
Note: Self-help is not intended to replace medical treatment, but should be used together with the help of all appropriate professionals in a team effort.
Ed Lash is a United Spinal member who lives in Trumbull, Connecticut. For more information, or to order his book Multiple Sclerosis – A Patient’s View call 203-445-0118 or send an e-mail to edlash.ms.selfhelp@juno.com. A portion of each sale is donated to United Spinal Association.
