Flushing (physiology)

Flushing (physiology)

Flushing is a term used in medicine to describe a sensation of warmth and rapid reddening of your skin. Flushing can be a physiological response to emotion, exercise, or temperature. The flushing of the skin can be seen in conditions like carcinoid syndrome, menopause, and rosacea.

Causes

Flushing can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Emotion: Strong emotions such as anger, embarrassment, or anxiety can cause flushing.
• Exercise: Physical exertion can cause the blood vessels in the skin to expand, leading to flushing.
• Temperature: Exposure to heat or cold can cause flushing.
• Alcohol: Some people may experience flushing after consuming alcohol.
• Medication: Certain medications can cause flushing as a side effect.
• Menopause: Flushing, or hot flashes, is a common symptom of menopause.
• Carcinoid syndrome: This is a condition caused by a certain type of cancerous tumor that can cause flushing.
• Rosacea: This is a skin condition that causes redness and flushing.

Treatment

Treatment for flushing depends on the underlying cause. For example, if flushing is caused by menopause, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended. If flushing is caused by rosacea, topical treatments and oral antibiotics may be used. If flushing is caused by carcinoid syndrome, medications to reduce the production of certain hormones may be prescribed.

See also

• Blushing
• Erythema
• Hot flash
• Carcinoid syndrome
• Rosacea

References

Flushing (physiology) Resources
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