In scientific parlance, this is horripilation. Characterised by small bumps that develop on a person’s skin, underneath the hair follicles, horripilation is an involuntary reaction to cold weather. Specifically, horripilation happens when the brain sends signals to tiny muscles called arrector pili in hair follicles causing them to contract. The most common cause of horripilation is cold air near the skin. In most cases, horripilation is temporary.

Source: The Hindu August 01, 2023 06:36 UTC