Irish Raynaud's & Scleroderma Society

How to stay warm

Gentle exercise will help your circulation.  Avoid sitting down for long periods of time.

Wear any clothing which helps to keep you warm.

Warm the bed before getting into it with a hot water bottle or electric blanket.

Wear as many layers as you can when going out in the cold.

Eat for warmth.  Eat warm food and plenty of small meals to keep up your energy.

Keep a pair of gloves by the fridge or freezer and avoid touching cold surfaces and objects such as milk bottles.

Don’t have ice cold drinks straight from the fridge.

After a bath, leave the water in while you dress - it will give off enough heat to keep you warm.

Wear plastic disposable gloves over woollen ones in snow (especially for children who use their hands to play) as getting wet makes the cold worse.

Use a hair dryer to warm clothes and shoes before going out, especially when away from home.

Stop smoking - cigarette smoking is harmful for everyone and it is damages the circulation.

Use warm air hand dryers in public places to warm your hands when shopping.

Keep your clothes and shoes in the airing cupboard overnight.

Keep doors closed - leaving a door open while you talk to a neighbour can drastically lower the temperature in your house.

Use shoulder bags for shopping where possible rather than ones with handles as these can cause restriction of blood to the fingers.

Avoid stressful situations.

The colour red signifies warmth.  Fires which have a red glow make you feel warmer.