Why Do I Get Goose Bumps?

You know the feeling—you walk out of your warm house on a chilly day and shiver as the hair stands up on your arms. Or maybe you’re lying in bed at night when suddenly you get spooked by a strange noise. Then you feel goose bumps rise on your skin.

What causes these tiny bumps to appear?

Each of the hairs on your skin grows from an opening called a follicle (FAH-lih-kul). When you get a chill or feel nervous, your body releases a chemical called adrenaline (uh-DREH-nuh-lin). Adrenaline makes the tiny muscles in your hair follicles tighten, which raises the follicles above the rest of your skin and makes your hairs stand up. Goose bumps!

Some scientists think goose bumps might help your body keep heat when it’s cold out. Whatever their purpose, God thoughtfully created each part of your body to bring him glory—even these little bumps.

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