ABSTRACT
When human skin comes into contact with a hot surface the skin temperature rises. This causes a reaction that can vary from local vasodilation and sweating to pain sensations and physical damage of the skin (burn). If the skin comes into contact with surfaces of moderate temperature there will be no skin damage due to heat loss or gain, but there may be vasodilation and vasoconstriction leading to sensations ranging from hot through neutral to cold and associated discomfort or feelings of pleasantness. When it comes into contact with a cold surface, there will be vasoconstriction, pain, maybe sticking if the skin is wet and skin damage due to frostbite. This chapter reviews methods and data concerned with the relationship between skin contact with hot, moderate and cold surfaces and human response to the contact.
