Reasons Why Humans Get Goosebumps?

Goosebumps are small bumps caused by our skin. There are several times when humans can actually experience goosebumps: When you are in a cold environment when you are experiencing any kind of emotions such as shock, surprise, fear, any arousal, and even when you feel inspired by something or someone and there are some other reasons too for why we get goosebumps.

Goosebumps on the Skin of Animals

Not only humans but animals can also get goosebumps. But unlike humans, animals have beneficial reasons why they get goosebumps. Firstly, when the animal is scared and is in a fight or flight mode it usually gets goosebumps. When an animal is in danger its thicker fur coat expands the layer of air on its skin making it appear bigger to the predator, it usually happens to safeguard itself during the confrontation with other animals. Secondly, animals usually have thicker haircoat so when it is cold the fur in the animals stands to create insulation against the cold retaining more heat. But this is useless in humans because we do not have much thicker hair coats to create insulation. So why do humans get goosebumps? Is there any hidden reason behind goosebumps on the skin? Let’s have a look at how and why do people get goosebumps.

Why Do We Have Goosebumps?

Goosebumps are caused when the small muscles that are located at the base of the hair follicles shrink, this creates a shallow depression on the surface of the skin causing the hair to stand especially whenever you feel cold or afraid. Our ancestors believed that goosebumps can make your hair grow faster than usual but that is not the fact. We inherited goosebumps or piloerections from our ancestors. They had long body hair that protected them from predators and kept their bodies warm during winters. But it is no more useful for humans as we do not have much hair on our skin to cause an insulation effect by creating goosebumps. Mostly, goosebumps are stronger in areas that have hair such as legs, arms, neck, etc. Some people may also experience it on the face.

There are many other reasons why people get goosebumps. Some researches have shown that when listening to your favorite music your body can release a chemical called dopamine that sometimes can cause goosebumps. Goosebumps can also be common in people during drug withdrawal. They can also be a symptom of diseases such as brain tumors, Autonomic Dysreflexia, etc. It may also be caused due to any physical exertion such as bowel movement, etc.