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Skin layers
Skin layers

Skin blushing/flushing
Definition:
A sudden reddening of the face, neck and occasionally, upper chest.
Alternative Names:
Blushing; Flushing; Red face
Considerations:
Blushing is a normal response when embarrassed, angry, feeling guilty, or experiencing some other strong emotion.

Flushing of the face may also be associated with certain medical conditions.
Common Causes:
  • extremes of emotion
  • rapid changes in temperature
  • hot or spicy foods
  • rosacea
  • high fever
  • alcohol abuse or alcohol intolerance
  • medications such as Diabinese (for diabetics) and niacin (for lowering cholesterol -- sometimes contained in high-potency vitamins)
  • menopause ("hot flush" -- due to a drop in estrogen levels)
  • carcinoid syndrome
Home Care:
Eliminate any triggers that you can identify. Try to avoid hot drinks, spicy food, extremes of temperature, and bright sunlight.
Call your health care provider if:
  • there is continual and persistent flushing
  • other symptoms, such as diarrhea, are present
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your skin blushing/flushing in detail may include:
  • location
    • Do you have facial flushing (blushing)?
    • Does it affect the whole body?
  • quality
    • Are you having hot flushes?
  • time pattern
    • Do you have flushing attacks?
    • How often do you have flushing or blushing?
    • Are episodes getting worse?
    • Are they getting more frequent?
  • aggravating factors
    • Is it worse after alcohol intake?
  • other


Review Date: 11/11/2001
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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