Your skin feels hot primarily because your body temperature is higher than normal.
This elevated temperature can stem from a variety of factors, broadly categorized as internal and external influences. Let's break down the most common reasons:
Internal Causes (Related to Your Body)
- Infection or Illness: This is perhaps the most frequent cause. When your body detects an infection (bacterial, viral, or fungal), it raises its internal temperature as part of the immune response to fight off the pathogens. This leads to a fever, and your skin will feel hot. Examples include:
- The flu
- Common cold
- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions, even without an infection, can cause localized or widespread warmth in the skin. Examples include:
- Arthritis
- Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
- Injuries that are healing
- Medications: Certain medications can have side effects that include increased body temperature.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during menopause or pregnancy, can cause hot flashes and make your skin feel hot.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can speed up your metabolism, leading to increased body temperature.
External Causes (Related to the Environment)
- Heat Exposure: Spending time in hot environments, especially during exercise or physical activity, can cause your body temperature to rise. This is because your body is working hard to cool itself down, leading to increased blood flow to the skin.
- Sunburn: Sunburn damages the skin and causes inflammation, resulting in hot, red, and painful skin.
- Excessive Clothing: Wearing too many layers of clothing, especially in warm weather, can trap heat and cause your skin to feel hot.
What To Do
If your skin feels hot, and you suspect a fever, it's advisable to:
- Check your temperature: Use a thermometer to confirm if you have a fever (generally considered 100.4°F (38°C) or higher).
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help your body cool down.
- Rest: Avoid strenuous activity.
- Consider over-the-counter fever reducers: Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help lower your temperature.
- Consult a doctor: If you have a high fever, or if your skin is hot and accompanied by other symptoms such as a rash, headache, stiff neck, difficulty breathing, or confusion, seek medical attention promptly.
