When the skin feels warm to the touch, it often means that the body temperature is higher than normal. This can occur because of infection or illness, but it can also be caused by an environmental situation that increases body temperature.
When the skin feels warm to the touch, it often means that the body temperature is higher than normal. This can occur because of infection or illness, but it can also be caused by an environmental situation that increases body temperature.
Also, a specific area of the skin may feel warm to the touch due to increased blood flow near the surface. This happens when the body is trying to deal with something like an infection, an irritant, or an insect bite. Here, hot skin can be accompanied by redness or swelling.
It is important to determine what is causing your skin to feel hot so that you can receive the proper treatment. Below, we'll explore the common causes of why the skin may feel hot to the touch, some potential treatments, and when to seek help.
Contact dermatitis is a condition that develops when the skin exposed to something that irritates it. This can lead to a rash and skin that feels hot to the touch. Examples of things that can cause contact dermatitis include:
Additional symptoms that can accompany contact dermatitis include itching, swelling, redness, and dry, cracked skin.
Some examples of specific conditions that can make your skin feel warm to the touch may include, but not limited to:
Your healthcare provider will examine the redness on your skin. If your symptoms come and go, they will hear your description of them. These and other questions can help your healthcare provider determine what may have caused your skin to redden.
Additional tests may include taking a skin sample or biopsy of the affected area, or allergy tests to determine if your skin reacts to certain irritants.
Ask your healthcare provider if your skin condition can be contagious and what steps you can take to prevent its spread. This can ensure that you don't pass the redness on your skin to someone else.
If there is fever, it can be treated with fluids, over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
Anyone under the age of 17 should not use aspirin. Neither of these drugs should be used to treat illnesses caused by ambient heat.
Besides anti-inflammatories and over-the-counter fluids, additional medications may be needed to treat the underlying cause of the fever. This may involve things such as antibiotics for a bacterial infection or drugs such as rheumatoid arthritis to cure underlying diseases.
Keep hydrated by drinking water or sports drinks during exercise. Don't wait until you're thirsty to hydrate. If a person overheats from the environment or exercise, move them to a cool, shady place and remove the outer layers of clothing.
Apply cool, damp cloths to the skin. Placing cold compresses on the groin, neck, and armpits helps lower body temperature. Provide cold liquids as often as the person can tolerate.
Sunburn pain can be treated by taking a cold bath or shower. Applying aloe vera or another moisturizer to the affected area can also help. If you experience swelling and pain, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory may work to ease these symptoms.
If an insect has bitten you, be sure to clean the area with warm, soapy water. It can assist with discomfort or swelling by using a cold compress. You can also use over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or antihistamines to help relieve symptoms such as pain, swelling, or itching. Make sure not to scratch.
For something like contact dermatitis, start by applying over-the-counter antihistamines or corticosteroid creams to the affected area. If your reaction is more severe or generalized, you may need to see your doctor for a stronger medication. Try to avoid scratching the area.
If someone feels hot frequently or continuously without a fever, they should see their doctor. A doctor may need to run tests, such as blood or urine tests, to diagnose underlying causes such as:
It is advisable to choose unscented products if you are prone to allergic reactions. When you go outside, protect yourself against ticks by applying insect repellants that contain 20 to 30 percent confidence.
Taking a shower immediately after entering and checking your body thoroughly for ticks can help protect against Lyme disease.
If you've been outdoors in an area where ticks are present, tumble drying your clothes for at least an hour after wearing them can kill the remaining ticks on your clothes.
People can feel hot without a fever for many reasons. Any causes, such as consuming hot foods, a warm climate, or tension and anxiety, can be transient and easy to recognize.
A severe burning sensation may indicate a muscle injury, such as a sprain or strain. If this sensation does not improve over time or spreads to various muscles, a person may have a chronic condition, such as fibromyalgia.
Hot flashes, those sudden waves of hot skin and sweat associated with menopause and perimenopause, begin in most women in their 40s. If that's new to you, take a deep breath.
Frequent or persistent hot flashes could be a sign that you are at increased risk for a heart attack or stroke.
