Skin blushing/flushing
Blushing; Flushing; Red faceSkin blushing or flushing is a sudden reddening of the face, neck, or upper chest due to increased blood flow.
Causes
Blushing is a normal body response that may occur when you are embarrassed, angry, excited, or experiencing another strong emotion.
Flushing of the face may be associated with certain medical conditions, such as:
- High fever
-
Menopause
Menopause
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her periods (menstruation) stop. Most often, it is a natural, normal body change that occurs between ag...
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Rosacea (a chronic skin problem)
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin problem that makes your face turn red. It may also cause swelling and skin sores that look like acne.
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Carcinoid syndrome (group of symptoms associated with carcinoid tumors, which are tumors of the small intestine, colon, appendix, and bronchial tubes in the lungs)
Carcinoid syndrome
Carcinoid syndrome is a group of symptoms associated with carcinoid tumors. These are tumors most often of the small intestine, colon, appendix, or ...
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Other causes include:
- Alcohol use
- Certain medicines used to treat diabetes and high cholesterol
- Exercise
- Extreme emotions
- Hot or spicy foods
- Rapid changes in temperature or heat exposure
Home Care
Try to avoid the things that cause your blushing. For example, you may need to avoid hot drinks, spicy foods, extreme temperatures, or bright sunlight.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if you have persistent flushing, particularly if you have other symptoms (such as diarrhea).
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The provider will perform a physical exam and may ask about your medical history and symptoms, including:
- Does the flushing affect the whole body or just the face?
- Do you have hot flashes?
- How often do you have flushing or blushing?
- Are episodes getting worse or more frequent?
- Is it worse after you drink alcohol?
- What other symptoms do you have? For example, do you have diarrhea, wheezing, hives, or difficulty breathing?
Wheezing
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing. It occurs when air moves through narrowed breathing tubes in the lungs.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleHives
Hives are raised, often itchy, red bumps (welts) on the surface of the skin. They can be an allergic reaction to food or medicine. They can also ap...
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Breathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough air
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Does it happen when you eat certain foods or exercise?
Treatment depends on the cause of your blushing or flushing. Your provider may recommend that you avoid things that trigger the condition.
References
Dinulos JGH. Acne, rosacea, and related disorders. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 7.
James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Erythema and urticaria. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 7.
Review Date: 6/7/2023
Reviewed By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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