Why Am I So Sensitive to Heat and Sun? Heat intolerance and parasites may be linked.
- Karen Quiros
- Jun 25
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 26

Could hidden infections be the cause of your heat intolerance, fatigue, rashes, and chronic symptoms? Discover what conventional medicine may be missing.
If you experience unexplained heat intolerance, rashes, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms after being in the sun, you're not alone, and you're not crazy. While conventional medicine often overlooks this link, many chronic illness sufferers report severe sun and heat sensitivity that seems to flare without warning.
Emerging research and anecdotal evidence suggest that parasitic infections and stealth pathogens may be an underlying, hidden trigger, especially in individuals already dealing with autoimmune issues, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue.
What Is Heat and Sun Intolerance?
Heat and sun intolerance refers to an abnormal or exaggerated reaction to warmth, sunlight, or UV exposure. Symptoms may include:
• Flushing or rashes
• Dizziness or fatigue in the sun
• Head pressure or brain fog
• Nausea, chills, or sweating
• Light sensitivity or eye pain
• Feeling "toxic" or inflamed after heat exposure
For many, these symptoms appear or worsen during the summer, after exercise, or even after a hot shower.
But what if the real cause isn't just environmental—what if it's inside you?
Can Parasites Make You Sensitive to Heat?
Yes. Certain parasitic infections and stealth microbes are known to trigger systemic inflammation, nervous system disruption, and immune hyper-reactivity. These processes can leave the body unable to regulate heat, temperature, or sun exposure.
Some of the most likely offenders:
Babesia — The "Tick-Borne Malaria" That Hijacks Red Blood Cells
• Type: Protozoa
• Spread by: Ticks (often alongside Lyme disease)
Why it causes heat/sun issues:
• Babesia infects red blood cells and mimics malaria.
• Triggers cytokine storms, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hypoxia (lack of oxygen), all of which worsen in the heat.
• Causes sweating, dizziness, sun-induced crashes, and intense fatigue.
• Other symptoms: Air hunger, night sweats, chills, chest pressure, and POTS-like symptoms.
Mycoplasma — A Stealth Pathogen That Wreaks Cellular Havoc
• Type: Cell-wall-deficient bacteria (acts like a parasite)
• Spread by: Airborne, tick bites, and sexual contact
Why it causes heat/sun issues:
• Invades the respiratory tract and cells, suppressing immune responses while triggering inflammation.
• Known to cause light sensitivity, mitochondrial burnout, and post-exertional malaise.
• Other symptoms: Fatigue, joint pain, temperature dysregulation, fibromyalgia.
Strongyloides stercoralis — The "Creeping" Worm Reactivated by Heat
• Type: Intestinal nematode
• Spread by: Walking barefoot on infected soil
Why it causes heat/sun issues:
• Causes itchy, fast-moving rashes (larva currens), especially when the body heats up.
• May lead to systemic inflammation or life-threatening hyperinfection after immune suppression.
• Other symptoms: GI pain, rash, coughing, allergic-like reactions.
Schistosoma (Blood Flukes) — Parasites That Target the Bladder, Liver, and Skin
• Type: Flatworm (trematode)
• Spread by: Contaminated freshwater
Why it causes heat/sun issues:
• Known for triggering eosinophilic inflammation, urticaria, and immune flares.
• Can cause itching or hives after hot showers or sun exposure.
• Other symptoms: Bladder dysfunction, blood in urine, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
Toxoplasma gondii — Brain and Eye Parasite That Alters Light Perception
• Type: Protozoa
• Spread by: Undercooked meat, cat feces
Why it causes heat/sun issues:
• May inflame the brain and eyes, leading to photophobia (light sensitivity).
• Interferes with the nervous system's ability to regulate light, sound, and temperature.
• Other symptoms: Anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, visual disturbances.
Secondary Effects That Make You Sensitive to Heat
Even if parasites are not directly producing heat intolerance, they can indirectly cause it through:
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
Parasites and chronic infections can trigger mast cells to release histamine, which leads to:
• Hives
• Heat rashes
• Flushing or itching
• Sensitivity to sun, foods, and chemicals
Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction (Dysautonomia)
Parasitic infections can affect the vagus nerve, leading to:
• Inability to sweat properly
• Heart rate changes with temperature
• Dizziness or fainting in the heat
Mitochondrial Dysfunction
When parasites impair cellular energy production, the body can't:
• Cool itself efficiently
• Handle UV stress
• Maintain temperature during exertion
Signs Your Heat Intolerance Might Be Parasite-Related
You might have a hidden infection if you:
• Crash after sun exposure or workouts
• Wake up drenched in sweat (or unable to sweat)
• Develop rashes or "prickly" sensations with heat
• Feel dizzy or nauseous in the sun
• React strongly to hot showers, saunas, or warm weather
Holistic Support for Heat-Sensitive Parasite Infections
If you suspect that parasites may be contributing to your sensitivity to heat or the sun, consider exploring this possibility further. This is not medical advice; please consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your wellness routine or treatment plan.
Natural Anti-Parasitics
• Cryptolepis
• Black walnut
• Mimosa pudica
• Wormwood
Binders to Reduce Die-Off
• Activated charcoal
• Bentonite clay
• Zeolite
Liver and Lymph Detox
• Castor oil packs
• Dandelion root tea
• Burdock and red clover
Support Mast Cells
• Quercetin
• DAO enzyme
• Low-histamine diet
Calm the Nervous System
• Vagus nerve exercises
• Grounding (barefoot outdoors)
• Gentle breathwork and meditation
Final Thoughts
If you're dealing with unexplained sensitivity to heat and sunlight, don't dismiss it as anxiety or "just aging." Your body may be fighting a hidden battle against stealth parasites that overload your immune, nervous, and detox systems.
Many people have reversed these symptoms by addressing the root cause, often starting with a parasite cleanse, immune regulation, and nervous system repair.
Want to Learn More?
Check out Starving the Wolf: A Victory Over Lupus, a personal story of defeating the odds through radical healing, self-trust, and digging deeper than modern medicine dares.

Karen Quiros is the founder of Balanced Wellness Consulting with nearly four decades of experience in integrative health.
Karen holds credentials as a licensed nurse, Positive Psychology coach, and IIN-certified health coach, and she combines these with training in yoga, meditation, sound therapy, and the LIFE biofeedback system. Combining science and soul, she crafts transformative tools that empower healing and growth.
Through her book, wellness products, and the innovative Happiness Compass program available on Etsy, she helps individuals reconnect with their inner strength, rebuild trust in their bodies, and reclaim the vibrant lives they were meant to live.
Karen’s journey is chronicled in her book, Starving the Wolf: A Victory Over Lupus, a powerful, hope-filled guide for anyone seeking to heal from chronic illness. Beyond a personal story, the book offers insight, inspiration, and practical tools to help readers take charge of their health and believe in the possibility of recovery. Her passion for holistic wellness also shines through in The Happiness Compass©, an innovative online program that blends self-awareness and creativity to inspire personal growth and transformation. Her healing tools, including affirmation bracelets and wellness resources, are available on Etsy @WellnessRituals4U. For daily encouragement and wellness insights, follow her on Instagram @lupusphoenix.
Disclaimer
The information in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only, based on my research and experiences. It may include both conventional and unconventional healing suggestions. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan, as individual health circumstances vary. The author makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, applicability, or completeness of the contents of this blog.
By accessing this information, you assume full responsibility for its use and agree that Karen Quiros and Balanced Wellness Consulting are not responsible or liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising from using the information provided. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Use the information at your own risk and make informed decisions in consultation with your healthcare provider.
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