As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to influence global health, staying informed about emerging symptoms and their implications is vital. One perplexing symptom reported by numerous individuals is feeling hot internally while having cold skin. This article delves into the reasons behind this phenomenon and its link to COVID-19, alongside guidance on what steps to take if you experience it.
What Causes a Fever?
To comprehend the relationship between cold skin and feeling hot during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s essential first to understand the nature of fever. A fever represents a temporary rise in body temperature, typically triggered by an infection or illness. When your body recognizes foreign invaders such as viruses or bacteria, it releases pyrogens—chemicals that prompt the hypothalamus in your brain to elevate your body temperature. This heightened temperature creates an unfavorably hot environment for the invaders, aiding your body’s defense mechanisms.
Why Does My Skin Feel Cold?
Under ordinary circumstances, a fever causes your skin to feel warm or hot to the touch. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some patients have experienced the anomaly of feeling internally hot but externally cold. Understanding this symptom can be both baffling and worrisome, but it’s a known occurrence with scientific explanations.
COVID-19 can impact your vascular system, causing inflammation and potential damage to blood vessels, resulting in a condition called vasodilation. Vasodilation expands your blood vessels, increasing blood flow. While this surge in blood flow helps combat the virus, it also transports heat away from the skin surface, causing the skin to feel cooler despite an internal increase in temperature.
What Actions Should You Take If You Experience This Symptom?
If you find yourself feeling hot with cold skin, it is crucial to measure your body temperature. Should your reading surpass 100.4°F (38°C), reach out to a healthcare professional immediately. They can assist in determining whether you need a COVID-19 test or if another condition might be responsible for your symptoms.
At Life Medical, we offer prompt same-day appointments and virtual care options to ensure you receive the necessary medical attention without delay. Don’t hesitate—book an appointment with us today for the clarity and care you require.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding Fever: A temporary spike in body temperature, commonly due to illness or infection, caused by pyrogens prompting the hypothalamus to raise body temperature.
- COVID-19 and Blood Vessels: The virus can cause vasodilation, leading to more blood flow and heat spread, which makes the skin feel cold despite an internal sense of heat.
- Immediate Steps: If experiencing this symptom, monitor your temperature and contact a healthcare provider if it exceeds 100.4°F (38°C).
Stay vigilant and continue seeking reliable information to navigate the complexities unfolding during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing and responding promptly to symptoms can make a significant difference in managing your health and well-being.
