Skin flushing is caused by increased blood flow, which may be due to certain diseases, conditions or medicines. When more blood flows to an area of skin, such as the cheeks, the blood vessels widen. This increase in blood gives the skin its "flushed" look. Because of the increased blood flow, you may feel warmth around your neck, upper chest or face. On lighter skin, flushing can cause visible red patches. On darker skin tones, the redness may not be visible, but the affected area may change colour or even darken.
Flushed skin is a common physical reaction to anxiety, stress, embarrassment, anger or other strong emotional states. Facial flushing is usually more of a cosmetic than a medical concern. However, flushing can be caused by an underlying medical problem, such as Cushing's syndrome. You should consult a healthcare professional if flushing keeps recurring.
Flushed skin is often a visible sign of embarrassment, anxiety or overheating. However, frequent flushing can sometimes indicate an underlying health condition. Flushing occurs when hundreds of tiny blood vessels under the skin widen. As they widen, they quickly fill with more blood, which can make the skin look red or pink. This effect is more noticeable where blood vessels are closest to the skin, such as on the cheeks and chest. Flushed skin may also feel hot to the touch or cause a mild burning sensation. Flushing is not necessarily a serious problem, especially if it does not keep recurring. Below we look at how to tell whether flushing is a sign of a more serious medical problem and how it can be relieved.
The most common causes of flushed skin
When people feel anxious, they may blush. When a person gets too hot, the blood vessels widen to help cool the body down, and this reaction can also make the skin flush. Exercise, intense physical activity or sudden changes in temperature can have the same effect. Flushing caused by physical exertion or a hot environment is usually nothing to worry about. However, people who are overheated should drink some water and focus on breathing deeply. Flushed skin together with other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, exhaustion or confusion, may be a sign of a heat-related illness such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
- Rosacea. Rosacea mostly affects the face. It is a long-term skin condition that can cause redness, pimples, visible blood vessels and other skin problems. Rosacea often begins with flushing, and each episode may last a little longer than the previous one. The redness is caused by increased blood flow to the affected area. This chronic skin condition goes through cycles of fading and flaring up. Flare-ups can be triggered by spicy food, alcoholic drinks, sunlight, stress and the gut bacterium Helicobacter pylori. There are four subtypes of rosacea, each with its own symptoms, but one person may have symptoms of several subtypes. The most common are facial redness, bumps on the skin, changes in facial skin colour, dryness and sensitivity. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that fair-skinned women aged 30 to 50 are the most susceptible to rosacea. Rosacea usually begins with flushing, when the skin temporarily turns red. These episodes may last longer as rosacea progresses and can become permanent. Other symptoms may include spots and a burning or stinging sensation in the affected areas. The cause of rosacea is not clear, but in some people certain factors can trigger flare-ups. Common triggers include stress, sun exposure, hot or cold temperatures, specific foods or drinks, and certain medicines. With topical medicines and oral antibiotics, people can usually keep their rosacea symptoms under control.
- Dermatitis. Dermatitis, or eczema, refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions. They usually cause red, itchy, inflamed patches of skin. There are several types of dermatitis. Besides redness, dermatitis can cause many other symptoms: fluid-filled blisters, hives (an itchy, swollen, red rash), and dry, flaky or uneven skin. The skin may peel and other colour changes may be seen.
- Psoriasis. Psoriasis is a long-term condition that causes excessive production of new skin cells, leading to red, dry, crusty patches with silvery scales. These patches usually appear on the elbows, knees or scalp but can occur anywhere on the body. Psoriasis symptoms come in cycles.
- Lupus. Lupus is a chronic condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's organs and tissues. It can affect any part of the body, including the skin. Some people with lupus develop a rash on the face, neck and scalp, usually as butterfly-shaped areas of red, swollen skin.
- Endocrine disorders. The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce hormones – chemical messengers that carry information from one part of the body to another. These hormones travel through the blood and help regulate various body functions. When the body produces too much or too little of a hormone, its internal communication is disrupted. Some endocrine disorders cause such hormonal changes, which can lead to many symptoms. Any endocrine disorder that results in high levels of hormones affecting stress, blood pressure or blood vessel dilation can cause flushing. For example, in Cushing's syndrome the body produces too much cortisol, which can cause weight gain around the chest and stomach, diabetes, heart problems and flushing.
- Medicines. Certain medicines can cause flushing as a side effect in some people. These may include some antibiotics, calcium channel blockers, vasodilators, nitrates, nicotinic acid, tamoxifen and thyroid medicines. If you are concerned about flushing caused by a medicine, your doctor may recommend an alternative.
Flushing is not always easy to avoid, but the following may help:
- avoid extreme temperatures, dress appropriately for the weather and drink plenty of fluids to prevent overheating and dehydration,
- maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure by exercising regularly, eating a healthy, balanced diet and limiting alcohol,
- learn relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, mindfulness and meditation to cope with stress,
- treat any underlying health condition that may cause flushing.
Flushed skin is usually harmless, but sometimes it can be a sign of an underlying condition. It is best to see a doctor if flushing becomes more frequent or worse, does not seem to be related to heat, exercise or emotional reactions, or occurs together with other unexplained symptoms such as diarrhoea or palpitations.
Flushing occurs when the blood vessels just under the skin widen and fill with more blood. For most people, occasional flushing is normal and can be caused by excessive heat, exercise or emotional reactions. It can also be a side effect of alcohol or certain medicines. Sometimes flushing can be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as rosacea, cancer or an endocrine disorder. People whose flushing seems to be getting worse, occurs with other symptoms or has no clear cause should see a doctor.
Treatment
Treating any underlying condition that causes flushing is often the best approach. For example, the NHS states that a doctor may recommend medicines or a course of psychotherapy to reduce anxiety if that is the cause. Avoiding highly stressful situations can also help prevent flushing.
What are the complications of untreated flushing?
Flushing usually does not cause serious medical problems, but it can lead to embarrassment or social isolation. In some cases, however, a serious condition may be the underlying cause, and without treatment it can lead to complications. Both redness caused by dry skin and redness caused by weak, damaged capillaries are a sign that the skin needs special care. You may need to change your creams or lotions and choose new ones – products that reduce redness caused not only by dry skin but also by visible capillaries or skin conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema or rosacea. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about products for the daily care of red-prone skin.
https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-blushing-flushing
Our recommendation. For redness-prone, sensitive facial skin, choose Eubos Cool & Calm CC cream with SPF 50 – it visibly conceals redness and protects against the sun.
0 comments