Goosebumps are the remnant of a heat-saving reflex that only really works on a furry animal. The hotter it gets, the wider the cutaneous vessels dilate to shed heat and the harder sweat glands pour out coolant; at the cold end the vessels clamp down and the arrector pili muscles pull each hair upright, holding the skin near 33°C. Burns, eczema, acne and melanoma each damage a different layer in their own way.
Goosebumps are the remnant of a heat-saving reflex that only really works on a furry animal. The hotter it gets, the wider the cutaneous vessels dilate to shed heat and the harder sweat glands pour out coolant; at the cold end the vessels clamp down and the arrector pili muscles pull each hair upright, holding the skin near 33°C. Burns, eczema, acne and melanoma each damage a different layer in their own way.
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