Thermography and Thermoregulation of the Face
Author Information
Author(s): Jan Rustemeyer, Jürgen Radtke, Andreas Bremerich
Primary Institution: Klinikum Bremen Mitte, Bremen, Germany
Hypothesis
Is there a significant difference in facial temperature regulation between the left and right sides of the face?
Conclusion
The study found significant asymmetry in facial temperature, with the left side being consistently cooler than the right, but no significant thermoregulation response to cold stimuli.
Supporting Evidence
- The left side of the face showed a temperature that was on average 0.1°C lower than the right side.
- A significant circadian rhythm with mean temperature differences of 0.7°C was observed.
- No significant increase in temperature was found following the application of a cold stimulus.
Takeaway
The left side of your face is usually a bit cooler than the right side, and when you get cold, your face doesn't warm up as much as you might think.
Methodology
Skin temperatures were measured at 32 sites on the face of 26 healthy subjects over 24 hours using a contact thermograph, with measurements taken every 4 hours.
Limitations
The study was limited to healthy subjects and did not account for variations in individual thermoregulation responses.
Participant Demographics
14 female and 12 male subjects aged 7 to 72 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Confidence Interval
95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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