MadSci Network: Anatomy
Query:

Re: does having dark skin feel hotter in the sun than having light skin?

Date: Thu Jun 17 18:17:59 1999
Posted By: Jim Bridger, Faculty, Biology, Prince Georges Community College
Area of science: Anatomy
ID: 929307970.An
Message:

Oliver- This is a very good question but the way you phrased it makes it a 
difficult one to answer.  As you may know, there are several ways that the 
human has in order to regulate temperature.  These homeostatic methods, if 
working properly, maintain a constant body temp. that fluctuates diurinally 
as well as by activity level around 37 degrees C.  The major contributor to 
this temp. is metabolism & the major method used to regulate it is by 
sweating.  Even though a dark skinned individual is absorbing more radiant 
energy, the homeostatic mechanisms will still work to maintain 37 degrees. 
 The amount of sweat produced varies greatly by gender, amount & kind of 
activity, etc.  Since dark skinned people have the same body temp. as those 
with lighter skin, the radiant energy absorbed is dealt with.  And 
remember, a good absorber is also a good radiator.  The hard part of your 
question is regarding the "feel" part.  I don't know how this could be 
ascertained because a person with dark skin only knows how it "feels" to 
have that color skin.  The same for light skinned people.  Perhaps a study 
could be done that chemically transformed light skin into dark skin & get 
the people's reactions before & after but this would be very subjective.  
The "feel" part is hard to evaluate & is not a very measureable term.  I 
hope that my answer helps.  J. Bridger


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