Published on: 3/17/2025
Constantly hot hands and feet might be linked to a condition like erythromelalgia or changes in how your body moves blood to the skin.
One possible reason your hands and feet always feel hot is a condition called erythromelalgia. This condition makes the blood vessels in your hands and feet widen, allowing more blood to flow close to the skin, which can make these areas feel hot and even become painful sometimes. In addition, your body’s natural process of regulating temperature might be stronger in your hands and feet. When your nerves tell your blood vessels to open up—a process called vasodilation—it helps your body cool down by releasing heat. In some people, this system can be a bit more active and cause a constant warm sensation in the extremities. Other factors like genetics, stress, or even mild underlying conditions may also play a role in these signs. If the warmth is accompanied by pain, discomfort, or other troubling symptoms, it is a good idea to share these concerns with a healthcare provider, who can help determine if further tests or treatments are needed to ease your symptoms.
(References)
Friberg D, Chen T, Tarr G, van Rij A. Erythromelalgia? A clinical study of people who experience red, hot, painful feet in the community. Int J Vasc Med. 2013;2013:864961. doi: 10.1155/2013/864961. Epub 2013 May 15. PMID: 23762561; PMCID: PMC3671268.
Cheung SS. Responses of the hands and feet to cold exposure. Temperature (Austin). 2015 Feb 27;2(1):105-20. doi: 10.1080/23328940.2015.1008890. PMID: 27227009; PMCID: PMC4843861.
Cramer MN, Gagnon D, Laitano O, Crandall CG. Human temperature regulation under heat stress in health, disease, and injury. Physiol Rev. 2022 Oct 1;102(4):1907-1989. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00047.2021. Epub 2022 Jun 9. PMID: 35679471; PMCID: PMC9394784.
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