Why Am I So Hot?: Exploring Body Temperature Regulation in Burn Patients  

The body has an internal thermostat that helps regulate temperature. It also has a system to cool the body down when it overheats. Unfortunately, when there is damage to the skin, part of that regulation system may not work the same. Body temperature in burn survivors can be unpredictable as a result.   

How Skin Helps Regulate Body Temperature  

The skin helps regulate body temperature using the blood vessels in the dermis. For example, when exposed to cold, these blood vessels constrict, allowing your skin to cool to the same temperature as the cold. In other words, they divert heat from the skin, making you more comfortable in the cold.  

When you are hot, your body releases heat into the surrounding air. That creates a bubble of cool air around your body. The sweat glands help cool you down, as well, by wetting your skin. 

How Burns Can Affect Body Temperature  

Someone with critical burns loses the ability to control body temperature because the blood vessels and sweat glands have been damaged. They also don't have the same surface area on the skin to release heat.  

For this reason, burn patients can be hyperthermic (too hot) or hypothermic (too cold). Skin damage prevents their bodies from regulating their temperature as well.  

During healing, burn patients also enter a hypermetabolic state. They burn energy faster to help heal and may break down muscle tissue to get that energy. The increased energy expenditure and muscle breakdown will elevate the body temperature.  

Do Skin Grafts Help?  

Skin grafts can help repair some temperature regulation tools, but at least one study found that you may still feel hot. A 2013 report published in the Journal of Burn Care & Research found that large skin grafts can make it difficult for heat to evaporate through the skin, especially during exercise.  

The grafts will be more effective in normal temperature regulation, though. A 2012 study published in Faseb Journal found that well-healed grafts can adjust to the surrounding temperature. So if you walk into a cold or warm space, the body will compensate for the ambient temperature.  

Tips for Staying Cool  

A burn injury may mean your body has trouble regulating temperature, so you must help it. You can do things to cool your body down when you feel hot. However, since no two people are the same, you may have to try different methods to find one that works for you.  

Some tips for cooling off include:  

• Sit or stand in front of a fan: The wind from the fan will cool your skin.  

• Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to cool off and help your body maintain proper temperature.  

• Wear the right clothing: Wear light-colored clothes that hang loosely on your body. The fabric will also help protect your skin from the sun's UV rays. Some clothing brands use moisture-wicking technology that can keep you more comfortable, too.  

• Go swimming: If your doctor has okayed water immersion, it's a great way to cool off. If you don't have access to a swimming pool, try taking a cool shower.  

• Cool your neck: Cooling a critical part of your body, like your neck or behind your knees, can help reduce your body temperature. You can place a cool, wet towel on your neck or an ice bag wrapped in a towel. Consider keeping a damp towel in the freezer to help cool you off.  

• Stay inside when it is hot outside: If it is a hot day, try to stay inside in air conditioning as much as possible.  

You always want to keep your body temperature in mind, especially when going outside. If you plan a day out, take a cooler with frozen towels. You can also carry a spray bottle and a hand fan. Be sure to wear sunscreen to protect your sensitive skin and prevent damage from the sun.