Why Does My Skin Get Sensitive When I Am Sick?
Why Does My Skin Get Sensitive When I Am Sick?
Last Updated: 4th, August 2023
Resource by: Dr. Amy Yuan
Our skin can tell us a lot about our overall health and wellness. That’s why it’s so important to take the time to develop a comprehensive and personalized skincare routine, so we can protect our skin in return.
Even with the best skincare products and practices, however, you may notice that your skin can present a certain way when you’re not feeling your best. Oftentimes, the color or texture of our skin can indicate and we’re coming down with something before any other symptoms appear.
Whether you’re looking to manage the effects of “sick” skin or you’re just looking to get a little glow back, PROVEN Skincare has what you need.
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Why Does My Skin Get Sensitive When I’m Sick?
If you’re asking yourself, “why does my skin hurt,” it’s important to remember that it’s not uncommon for our skin to become sensitive when we get sick. In fact, it can come before many other symptoms and can often signal to us that it’s time to seek medical care or take preventative medication. But why exactly does it happen?
There are actually a few reasons why your skin may feel more sensitive when you’re fighting a fever or your immune system is working at maximum capacity. Here are some of the most common.
Allodynia
Allodynia is an extreme case, but if you’ve ever suffered from migraines or other conditions that cause chronic pain, you may have actually experienced it. Essentially, your nerves become overly sensitized and begin sending pain signals to the brain from touches that don’t normally cause pain. These touches can be incredibly simple, like brushing your hand or laying on a pillow.
The pain is classified as a migraine attack, though other chronic conditions have been known to cause similar reactions. There is also a type of thermal allodynia, which can be triggered by a change in temperature, even a very mild one.
You’re Dehydrated
When we’re sick, our body needs more of the vitamins and nutrients that support our immune system. Many illnesses can dehydrate the body and we often feel nausea or struggle to keep food and liquids down, so it’s easy to become dehydrated when we’re fighting the flu or a cold. That can show through in our skin.
When you have dry skin or your skin loses its natural moisture, it can become tight and irritated, which contributes to the severity of existing skin condition and can worsen breakouts or damage. It’s always important to stay as hydrated as possible when you feel like you’re coming down with something to avoid having dry, flaky skin on your face and body. It can also be important to remember to moisturize the skin to help boost hydration in the skin.
You Have a Fever
While a fever is no fun to deal with, it’s actually your body’s way of fighting off bacterial infections or viruses and keeping you safe. The fever can often be accompanied by chills, shakes, and body aches and inflammation. And all of that affects your skin!
When your body gets hot, it can make your skin feel uncomfortably warm from the inside, similar to the way we feel when we get a sunburn. The inflammation that can lead to headaches and joint discomfort affects our skin as well, leaving us shaking and uncomfortable under a blanket that’s too hot but not quite able to warm us.
These symptoms can leave us shivering in bed, but they’re also our body’s way of keeping the bad guys at bay and ensuring you remain safe in the long and short term.
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Common Skin Responses to Illness
Different illnesses and responses can have different impacts on your overall health and wellness and on your skin. Here are some of the common ways your sensitive skin might show you that you’re coming down with something.
Your Skin Sensitive is to the Touch
The most obvious indication that you’re feeling ill is that your skin will be sensitive to the touch. Sometimes the sensitivity is pain and sometimes it’s simply a heightened awareness of the fabric of your clothes. The response our sensitive skin has to types of illnesses and discomfort can provide important medical information to us and our healthcare provider, so let your doctor know if you’re experiencing it.
Your Skin Feels Hot
There are many reasons your skin may be hot, but if the heat or burning sensation lingers and causes pain or discomfort, you’ll want to take note. Oftentimes, hot or tender skin can be an indication that we’re fighting a fever or that we’ve been exposed to irritating outside elements. Our skin often feels hot after we get a sunburn, the result of blood flowing to the areas where the skin is damaged.
If you notice the heat lingering for too long or if it is accompanied by pain or discomfort, consult your doctor about potential allergens or irritants that might be to blame.
You’re Pallid or Pale
You can usually tell if a person is ill simply by looking at them—and that has a lot to do with the color of their skin. When we’re under the weather, our skin can often look pale and the areas where the skin is thinner, like around the eyes, can appear dark, giving us the look of someone who hasn’t gotten enough rest.
The pallor of your skin is often a good indication that you’re coming down with something, so if you see pale or tired skin in the mirror, reach for a glass of orange juice.
You’re Itchy
There are many potential reasons we can find ourselves itchy, and most of them are benign. That said, if you notice the itchiness is persistent or that you’re scratching to the point of breaking the skin or causing pain, you’re likely experiencing the effects of an allergen or irritant like poison ivy.
Itchy skin may have deeper implications about all overall health, but often it’s a warning sign from the body that it’s having a reaction to an environmental factor. Many skin problems that bring on itchiness can be managed easily, so don’t delay in getting the relief you deserve.
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How to Combat Skin Conditions From Illness
There are many reasons you may be experiencing skin pain or discomfort when you get sick and getting to the root cause makes it easier to get the support you need to feel better. Here are a few of the steps you’ll want to take to start managing the effects of illness on your skin.
Speak With Your Doctor
It’s not uncommon to experience skin sensitivity when we’re under the weather, but it’s a good idea to speak with your medical professional to ensure that the itchiness or discomfort isn’t an emergency. It can also indicate another underlying condition, so keep your medical professional informed of your symptoms.
Stay Hydrated
Whether your skin is feeling hot to the touch from a fever or you’ve experienced a sunburn, the effects can both contribute to dehydration, which leaves you feeling even more uncomfortable than before. There are many reasons you’ll want to hydrate and moisturize your skin with diet and routine, but it’s especially important when you’re sick.
Be Gentle
If your skin is feeling sensitive for any reason, you’ll want to treat it gently. Wear soft fabrics that don’t have any irritating chemicals or dyes that can contribute to causing skin sensitive to touch. If you’re dealing with sensitive skin, opt for a gentle facial cleanser, avoid any harsh soaps or chemicals, and take short showers at lukewarm temperatures until you begin to feel better.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Skin sensitivity from an illness or environmental irritant can be frustrating, but it’s often a part of our immune system’s response to whatever the body is fighting, and means you’re trying to kick germs and bacteria out.
Skin sensitivity can result from fever, dehydration, and more serious medical conditions, so you’ll want to make sure that you share any symptoms or experiences you’re having with your healthcare professional. You can also manage some of the effects of your skin sensitivity at home with proper hydration and products and gentle care.
PROVEN Skincare is here to help. Whether your sensitive skin is glowing or you need a hydration boost, we have a great system to get you the products and the personalized skincare routine that will keep your skin feeling fresh and nourished for a long time to come, through many sniffles and sneezes.