What's Your Secret Solution for Heat Triggers

By Holly Harding

1 min read

With summer upon us, we are reminded that heat is a trigger for many a migraineur. This video is a call for solutions to assist with this troublesome and sometimes unavoidable problem.

We’d love to hear your advice, guidance, and ideas on the topic of avoiding or managing the heat of the summer.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Tara O'Connor Moderator
Hi Holly, Thank you for sharing these tips! I never thought about these things and will definitely have to try them. I have tried the neck fan and it has really been helpful! I also wear hats on hot sunny days that seems to help as well. Warmly, Tara (team member)
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Glad you found these helpful! Let me know if any of them work for you or if you have any additional ideas to add. Warmly (or cooly!), Holly (migraine.com team).
azreynolds Member
Holly, Great strategies! Sometimes I also use Salonpas instead of Biofreeze because it comes in a portable wipe, so I can throw it in my fanny pack, then swipe it across my neck and forehead. It also offers that same cooling effect. I use a wet bandana around my neck. When it warms up, take it off, wave it in the air and it cools down again. Of course you always have your trusty little bottle of water, so if it gets dry, wet it and start all over again. I never go outside without a wide brim hat and at least two pairs of sunglasses. I use the throw away kind of sunglasses that you get from the doctor's office when you get your eyes dilated. However, I don't usually go out in the heat of the day. Instead I walk my dog very early in the morning. His midday walk is just in the backyard, turned loose. In the early evening, I take care of my plants and water and everything just before the sun sets. I can't handle the heat because I also have thyroid problems so if it's hot, I'm not out there. Best solution though, is to be prepared in advance. Carry your abort meds in your fanny pack too!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="azreynolds" user-id="3677307"/> Thanks so much for adding your strategies for beating the heat (including avoiding it!) as it's such a well-known migraine trigger. I have a cooling towel I got from a sporting goods store which can be wetted and it stays damp and cool for quite a while - long enough to take a lengthy walk. Similar to what you said about being re-cooled by being shaken out before being reapplied I can't remember the brand name of the thing- but I used it for a good while. And yes- being smart about carrying rescue meds is so key! Thanks again for chiming in. Always good to hear from you, Annzie! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
hitesh-goenka Member
<inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> Wow! The hat and fan are novel ideas. Anyway, I feel helpless if I have to go out in the heat. After a while, the cap and sunglasses stop helping. My condition worsens if I have to drive a car as the light sensitivity is a major trigger for me. The more I keep my eyes open, the more it hurts.
1. bionicbarbi Member
 <inline-mention username="hitesh-goenka" user-id="3755282"/> I had to talk to my eye doctor about the light sensitivity. Axonoptics and Z-XG specialize in extra dark glasses (regular & prescription) that wrap around really well, but still look cute. 
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="bionicbarbi" user-id="4188763"/> Thanks so much for sharing these resources with us! Grateful you're a part of our community- please stay in touch. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
LeAnnBarr Member
Thank you for sharing these. I already use a "cooling stick" when I get a migraine, but never thought to use it before I get a migraine. I will definitely try it next time. I also didn't know allodynia was a real thing. I always thought I was crazy. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="LeAnnBarr" user-id="4189884"/> Oh my, Allodynia is definitely a real thing! I can't tell you how many articles I have written and/or we have posted in which community members respond saying exactly what you have said "I thought I was the only one who had this!" You are definitely not alone or crazy. Here is a list of our resources on the topic: https://migraine.com/search?s=allodynia Thanks so much for chiming in and for being a part of our community. Please stay in touch! warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).