What is temperature hyposensibility?IN BRIEF
Temperature hyposensitivity is when a person is less able to feel heat or cold. Some people may feel it inside them and not on their skin, or the opposite. Sometimes a person may not notice the sensation until much later, when they're resting. You are at higher risk of getting burns or frostbite when you're hyposensitive to temperatures. Autistic people have hypersensitivities or hyposensitivities more often, but people without any particular developmental diagnosis can also have these conditions.
What is thermoceptive hyposensitivity?
Thermoceptive hyposensitivity (to temperatures) is a sensory nociceptive disorder, where there is an insufficient or non-existent response to heat or cold stimuli, and the brain is unable to interpret temperature signals. This can lead to delayed reactions to burns and frostbite, untreated burns and frostbite, and increased risk-taking.
Symptoms of temperature hyposensitivity
Symptoms can vary greatly from one person to the next, as it’s possible to be hypersensitive to heat but hyposensitive to cold for example, or to feel heat and cold on the skin but not in the body.
- Lack of reaction when touching a burning object
- Ability to withstand a cold shower
- Taking dishes out of the oven without gloves
- Seeking sensations of heat or cold
- Inadequate clothing in hot or cold weather
Consequences of temperature hyposensitivity
The consequences of hyposensitivity to temperature vary greatly from one person to another, depending on age, skills, environment and the tools at their disposal.
- Burns
- Frostbite
- Infections
- Refusing to be careful
- Refusing treatment
- Denial of risks
- Amputation
"Mommy, is snow hot or cold?" Words from Chloée, a 4-year-old autistic girl playing in the snow with her bare hands, pyjamas and bare feet in -38◦C weather. Because autism sometimes also means hyposensitivities... which can prove dangerous.
Attention
Just because the sensation isn't felt doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Severe frostbite, even if not felt, can lead to amputation, and an untreated burn can become infected and cause other health problems.
What measures should be taken in the event of temperature hyposensitivity?
This hyposensitivity cannot be ignored, and precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of negative consequences.
- Taking extra precautions when exposed to high-risk temperatures
- Always checking the weather before going outdoors
- Observing and imitating the precautions taken by people who are not hyposensitive
- Regular visits to the doctor
- Visual inspection of the body after being exposed to hot or cold temperatures
- Recognizing the signs of a burn, such as redness or swelling
- Installing a liquid thermometer in high-risk areas
- Blocking the mechanisms for high-risk temperatures (shower, bath, washbasin and sink)
Sensory-seeking
The brain may need to create sensations since it’s not getting enough. Temperature sensory-seeking can include touching or eating snow, seeking out hot dishes or eating ice cubes, needing to take extremely hot showers or enjoying walking barefoot in the snow. Other behaviours are even more dangerous, such as deliberately burning oneself. If you decide to engage in risky activities, talk to a health professional about how to make them safer.
Important
In case of distress, or if the solutions put in place don't work, it's imperative to consult someone who specializes in sensory hypo-sensitivities.
