“Goose bumps” – causes

When a person experiences strong pleasure, both physical and emotional, feels cold or fear, pimples form on the skin, called “goosebumps”. Such phenomena are quite normal and the epidermis quickly returns to normal. The so-called “goosebumps” is considered a pathology – the reasons for its formation have nothing to do with “goosebumps”, they often lie in serious violations of the activity of internal organs.

Causes of the appearance of “goose bumps” on the body

In medicine, the described condition is classified as follicular hyperkeratosis. “Goose skin” this disease is called because of the similarity of its manifestations with the appearance of the plucked carcass of the bird of the same name.

Follicular hyperkeratosis is a chronic pathology and refers to dermatitis. Its features:

• violation of the process of desquamation and renewal of the epidermis;
• excessive and accelerated growth of horny cells on the surface of the skin;
• blockage of the mouths of the hair follicles with dead scales.

Exfoliation of epidermal cells occurs with a normal content of a special protein in them – keratin. If the concentration of this substance is increased as a result of various factors, the scales do not exfoliate, remaining on the surface of the skin, and hyperkeratosis develops. Over time, hair follicles are also involved in the pathological processes, aseptic (without the addition of a bacterial infection) sluggish inflammation begins in them.

What causes goosebumps on the neck, face and décolleté?

The areas under consideration are extremely rarely affected by follicular hyperkeratosis, since skin renewal occurs on them best and fastest. Factors provoking a violation of the exfoliation of keratinized epidermal cells:

• allergic reactions to various irritants;
• improper organization of hygiene measures;
• genetic predisposition;
• acute deficiency of vitamins (D, A, C, E, group B).

It is worth noting that women with dry, thin and sensitive skin are more prone to this disease. Less commonly, follicular hyperkeratosis occurs in people with excessive sebaceous gland function.

The main causes of “goosebumps” on the arms and elbows

These areas more often than other parts of the body are affected by the described pathology. Plaques and nodules near the hair follicles, resembling spikes, are located on the elbows and extensor surfaces of the arms, usually the forearms are more damaged. In the absence of adequate therapy, the skin becomes rough, rough to the touch, like sandpaper. There is severe dehydration and dryness.

The main causes of follicular hyperkeratosis of the arms, shoulders and elbows:

• insufficient amount of vitamin A in the body;
• severe or chronic hormonal changes;
• dysfunction of the thyroid gland and other endocrine organs;
• frequent epilation or depilation of hands;
• improper skin hygiene.

In some cases, nodules and plaques may become slightly inflamed, causing reddening of the epidermis.

Causes of goosebumps on the legs and buttocks

These areas are affected by hyperkeratosis about as often as the hands. Characteristic rashes are present on the entire surface of the legs, starting from the ankles and ending with the hips. As a rule, symptoms are also present on the buttocks, some parts of the lower back.

The main causes of blockage of hair follicles in the described places:

• deficiency of ascorbic acid;
• features of metabolic processes in the body;
• diseases of the digestive system;
• constant mechanical irritation of the skin;
• endocrine diseases.

Also in this case, all the factors listed above are relevant.