Skin blushing or flushing is a sudden reddening of the face, neck, or upper chest.
Considerations
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 also be associated with certain medical conditions.
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, or bright sunlight.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call 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
Your health care 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?
Alternative Names
Blushing; Flushing; Red face
References
Ultima revisión 6/7/2023
Versión en inglés revisada por: 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.
Traducción y localización realizada por: DrTango, Inc.