Flushing is a term used to describe transient and episodic reddening of the skin. It occurs most commonly on the face and neck but less conspicuous changes may occur over the entire body.
Flushing is the visible sign of a generalised increase in the skin blood flow that occurs with relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle. This may occur due to changes in the autonomic nervous system (nerve supply which controls our body’s internal organs), our body’s internal chemicals and hormones (e.g. histamine and serotonin) or external factors (e.g. alcohol, drugs, food and food additives).
There are a number of causes to consider:
Affected people often report a feeling of heat and burning of the skin during an attack. Repeated flushing may lead to permanent redness, broken capillaries and rosacea.
Flushing is diagnosed by taking a detailed history and physical examination including identifying predisposing factors and associated symptoms. Further laboratory tests, radiologic studies or referral to an endocrinologist may be needed.
It is important to differentiate true flushing from other disorders that lead to facial erythema or redness such as seborrhoeic dermatitis, photosensitivity (sun sensitive) disorders or systemic lupus erythematosus.
Treatment is typically tailored to the underlying condition or avoidance of trigger factors.
This information has been written by Dr Davin Lim and Dr Heba Jibreal
This page is currently under review.
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