Why does your skin feel hot all over your body?
Experiencing hot sensations across your body can happen for several lupus-related reasons:
Common lupus-related causes include
* Photosensitivity - sensitivity to UV rays that can cause warmth, rashes, fatigue, or increased joint pain
* Overheating - people with lupus may Show Full Answer
Why does your skin feel hot all over your body?
Experiencing hot sensations across your body can happen for several lupus-related reasons:
Common lupus-related causes include:
* Photosensitivity - sensitivity to UV rays that can cause warmth, rashes, fatigue, or increased joint pain
* Overheating - people with lupus may overheat in situations where others don't, possibly due to high nitric oxide levels causing blood vessels to dilate
* Cutaneous lupus - skin-specific lupus that causes sores and rashes that feel hot or burning
* Joint inflammation - hot, burning skin often occurs over joints due to inflammation
* Peripheral neuropathy - nerve damage that can cause burning sensations in affected areas
Other possible causes:
* Medication side effects, especially from corticosteroids like prednisone
* Hormonal changes like menopause or premenstrual syndrome
* Early signs of a lupus flare-up
* Your body fighting an infection, especially if your immune system is weakened by medication
A MyLupusTeam member shared: "When I flare, my butterfly rash gets very hot to the touch, and I feel achy all over." What you can do:
Try to notice when these episodes occur and share any patterns with your healthcare provider. Feeling overheated could be an early sign of a flare or signal that your body is fighting an infection.
To help manage the heat:
* Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
* Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
* Wet your skin with a damp cloth or spray bottle
* Wear loose clothing and exercise in air conditioning
* Limit sun exposure and avoid direct sunlight
Talk with your rheumatologist about these episodes. They can help determine if your current medications need adjustment or if additional treatment might help you feel more comfortable.
December 17, 2025