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The summertime brings pool parties, BBQs, and hours in the sun. And with the restrictions of COVID-19 lessening, many of us want to be outside. However, the summertime also brings a condition that many of us have experienced but didn’t know why? – heat edema. Heat edema is when the body swells in the heat due to water retention. It is especially prevalent in an individual’s feet, legs, and ankles. Although it is usually a temporary condition, it can cause discomfort and need medical attention.
What Causes Heat Edema
Heat can cause swelling because it can temporarily dilate the blood vessels, which causes fluid to pool in the legs, feet, hands, and fingers. The access fluid can make your skin look tight and shiny. It is more likely to occur when an individual isn’t used to hotter temperatures. A sure way to know if it’s edema is when you press your finger into your swollen skin, and the indentation remains for several seconds.
However, other factors can cause heat edema or even make it worse. The following factors include:
- Standing or sitting in one place for too long
- Too much salt in the diet
- Being pregnant
- Having premenstrual symptoms
- Some medications, including those to control blood pressure, diabetes or pain, as well as drugs with steroids or estrogen
- Certain diseases, such as kidney, liver, lung or thyroid disease, or congestive heart failure
- Venous insufficiency, a condition where the valves of the veins in the legs become weaker
Even a healthy, active person may be at risk for heat edema, especially if they have limited access to air-conditioning or do intense workouts in high heat.
How to Prevent Swelling In The Heat
The best way to prevent heat-related swelling is to avoid extreme temperatures as much as possible. Keeping your body cool will minimize the dilation of blood vessels and prevent fluid buildup in your legs.
Here are some other tips that you can try following:
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Take frequent breaks to cool down and gradually acclimate yourself to the weather
- Avoid prolonged sitting or standing when possible, as staying sedentary can cause swelling in the feet, ankles and legs
- Avoid or limit salty foods
Luckily, if you do experience heat edema, most home remedies can relieve it. If the swelling gets worse, then it is recommended that you reach out to your doctor.
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