Health Encyclopedia

Skin blushing/flushing

Definition

Skin blushing or flushing is a sudden reddening of the face, neck, or upper chest.

Alternative Names

Blushing; Flushing; Red face

Considerations

Blushing is a normal body response that may occur when you are embarrassed, angry, excited, or experiencing some other strong emotion.

Flushing of the face may also be associated with certain medical conditions.

Common Causes

Common causes include:

Extreme emotions
Hot or spicy foods
Rosacea

Other causes include:

Alcohol use
Carcinoid syndrome
Certain medicines used to treat diabetes and high cholesterol
High fever
Menopause
Rapid changes in temperature

Home Care

Try to avoid the things that cause your blushing. For example, you may need to avoid hot drinks, spicy foods, extreme temperatures, and bright sunlight.

Call your health care provider if

Call your doctor if you have persistent flushing, particularly if you have other symptoms (such as diarrhea).

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may ask you questions 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?

Review Date:4/15/2009
Reviewed By:Jonathan Kantor, M.D., North Florida Dermatology Associates, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional 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. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.