Skin blushing/flushing

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Skin layers

Overview	Treatment

Skin blushing/flushing

Definition

Skin blushing or flushing is 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.

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

Review Date: 10/27/2003
Reviewed By: Jeffrey Drayer, M.D., Dermatologist, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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