Summer, with its high temperatures, is often a difficult time for people with lipedema. Have you ever wondered why symptoms like pain, swelling, and discomfort seem to get worse during this time? Recent studies show that heat can have a direct impact on the intensification of these symptoms, making life difficult for people facing this disease. Although it is a season that brings a feeling of relief and leisure, the heat increases the body’s sensitivity and can aggravate lipedema, a condition that mainly affects women, causing fat accumulation and inflammation of the legs and thighs. Understanding this relationship between temperature and symptom worsening is key to finding effective ways to minimize the impact of hot weather and live more comfortably. Below we explain how heat influences lipedema and give practical tips for summer.
With the arrival of summer, temperatures rise, as do trips to the beach and the use of lighter clothing. But, for those living with lipedema, the season can bring more pain, swelling, burning, and a feeling of heaviness in the legs. In fact, heat causes physiological changes that worsen the symptoms of the disease, which mainly affects the legs, hips and arms.
Why does heat make lipedema worse?
According to experts, high temperatures cause the body to enter a natural process called vasodilation, in which blood vessels dilate to help regulate internal temperature. However, in people with lipedema, this mechanism tends to cause even greater fluid retention and hinder venous and lymphatic return, systems that already function in a compromised manner.
Plastic surgeon Carine Barreto, a reference in the treatment of the disease, emphasizes that the worsening of symptoms in hot weather is common.
“On hot days, it is common for patients to notice that their legs become heavier, more painful, and more sensitive to touch. Heat increases fluid retention and reduces circulation efficiency, which worsens lipedema symptoms,” he explains.
In addition to physical discomfort, summer can also bring its share of emotional challenges. Many women report feeling insecure when wearing shorter clothes, due to swelling and skin sensitivity.
The combination of heat, edema and pain contributes to feelings of fatigue and frustration, making it difficult to fully enjoy the season.
But after all, if heat aggravates lipedema, what can be done to alleviate the symptoms?
How to relieve symptoms in summer?
According to Carine Barreto, a few simple changes to your routine can reduce discomfort and make summer easier. They are:
-
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help the lymphatic system.
-
Hot or cold baths: avoid very hot water, which increases vasodilation.
-
Elevate your legs: Take short breaks throughout the day.
-
Exercise at cooler times or in air-conditioned places.
-
Water activities: swimming, aquagym and walking in water, which reduce impacts and stimulate circulation.
-
Light clothing: comfortable, loose clothing made of cotton, linen or silk.
-
Suitable compression socks: today there are thinner, more thermal models designed to reduce excessive heat.
Every body reacts differently
The specialist emphasizes that self-knowledge is essential for people living with lipedema.
“Each patient experiences lipedema differently. Some have more pain, others more swelling. The ideal is to adapt your daily life according to the symptoms and seek specialized support to maintain your quality of life,” advises Carine.
She says observing how the body responds to heat, physical exertion and daily routine helps identify triggers and adjust habits that make a difference in controlling pain and edema.
So, with preparation and attention to the body’s signals, people with lipedema can enjoy the summer more comfortably and even find an ally in their care routine to reduce symptoms throughout the year.
About The Author
