Perplexed by the sensation of goosebumps? Find out about horripilation, the involuntary contraction of the tiny muscles in your skin that causes those chills, right here.
Goose bumps, or horripilation, are a common bodily response that most people have experienced at some point. But did you know that there are various reasons why you might get goose bumps, and some of these reasons could indicate an underlying medical condition?
The most common cause of goose bumps is being cold. When you feel a chill, your brain sends signals to certain parts of your body, one of which may go to the muscles in hair follicles. These muscles, known as arrector pili muscles, contract, causing the hairs to stand upright and giving you goose bumps.
However, there are other causes of goose bumps that are not related to cold temperatures. For instance, strong emotions, arousal, or motivation can also trigger this response. In some cases, certain medical conditions can cause a person to have something similar to goose bumps for longer periods of time.
One such condition is keratosis pilaris, a skin condition caused by dead skin cells. This condition can result in dry and rough bumps that may resemble goose bumps. Keratosis pilaris is usually worse in winter and may cause the affected areas to feel itchy, rough, and dry.
Other conditions that might cause prolonged goose bump-like symptoms include nerve or autonomic dysfunction, such as certain types of peripheral nerve damage or multiple sclerosis (MS). In MS, although primarily a central nervous system disorder, such symptoms might manifest due to autonomic nervous system involvement.
Furthermore, hormonal imbalances and systemic conditions can disrupt temperature regulation and cause persistent skin changes including unusual shivering, sweating, or chills accompanied by goose bump-like effects.
It is essential to note that while goose bumps are not harmful and do not require treatment, persistent symptoms like goose bumps for extended periods may arise from benign skin conditions such as keratosis pilaris, nerve or autonomic dysfunction (including MS), and certain systemic or hormonal disorders affecting temperature control. If such symptoms are unusual, prolonged, or accompanied by other neurological or systemic signs, medical evaluation is advised.
Moreover, some drugs, such as methamphetamine and milnacipran hydrochloride, may cause horripilation. If a person's goose bumps do not go away, they should seek medical attention, as it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
In conclusion, while goose bumps are a common and usually harmless bodily response, they can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition. If you experience persistent goose bumps, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any potential health issues. And remember, regular exfoliation can help prevent conditions like keratosis pilaris, which can cause dry and rough bumps that may resemble goose bumps.
Mental health conditions, such as strong emotions or motivation, can also cause goose bumps. In some cases, dermatology-related medical conditions, like keratosis pilaris, can cause prolonged goose bump-like symptoms. Science has shown that certain systemic or hormonal disorders, which can disrupt temperature regulation, may cause persistent skin changes including goose bumps.
