Flushing

Key Points
Common skin condition caused by dilation of blood vessels in the skin
Can be brought on by various factors
Consists of reddened skin often involving the face, neck or upper chest, and may be accompanied by sweating

Flushing is a common skin condition, which is often harmless when it occurs by itself. It occurs when blood vessels in the skin dilate. Flushing consists of a reddening of the skin, sometimes in splotches, most often on the face, neck or upper chest. In cases where only the vessels are affected, Flushing will be dry, but when associated nerves are involved may be accompanied by sweating.

Flushing can be brought on by many varied factors, including heightened emotions, use of alcohol, certain Food additives or foods themselves, drug reactions, and neurological problems. There are also illnesses which are accompanied by Flushing, or in which Flushing is one of the primary symptoms. These include Rosacea, Carcinoid Tumors, Pheochromocytoma, and systemic Mastocytosis.

Differential Diagnosis (Other conditions with similar appearance)

Rosacea
Drug reactions
Carcinoid syndrome

Diagnosis
Key Points
Diagnosis based on skin appearance
Further testing of various types may be performed if an underlying condition is suspected

Flushing is diagnosed based on skin appearance. Further testing may be performed as appropriated if health care professionals suspected an underlying condition is causing Flushing.

Treatment
Condition is harmless when appearing by itself and requires no treatment
*If an underlying condition is diagnosed, treating that condition may eliminate Flushing

In many cases, Flushing is harmless and requires no treatment. In cases where Flushing is brought on by reaction to medication contact health care professionals to ensure a more serious allergy does not exist. If an underlying condition is diagnosed, treatment of that condition may eliminate Flushing altogether.