Why is skin flushed

When rare cancerous tumors called carcinoid tumors secrete certain chemicals and hormones into your bloodstream, they cause a variety of symptoms.

These cancerous tumors can be found in the intestines, appendix, rectum, lungs, stomach, pancreas, and thyroid. Facial flushing caused by carcinoid syndrome varies with the location of the tumor. Carcinoid syndrome typically occurs in people who have advanced carcinoid tumors.

The signs and symptoms of carcinoid syndrome will be different depending on the chemicals secreted into your bloodstream. Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:. Physiologically speaking, flushing is caused by increased blood flow under the skin.

When blood vessels widen, this is known as vasodilation. It results from relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the blood vessel walls. Areas such as the face, ears, neck, upper chest, and upper arms have countless blood vessels under the skin, and a surge in blood flow can cause these blood vessels to widen and fill with blood. In the case of carcinoid syndrome, the flushing is caused by the sudden release of the vasodilator chemicals produced by the enterochromaffin cells.

Carcinoid syndrome is diagnosed by a specialized urine test that measures a chemical called 5-HIAA. The facial flushing of carcinoid syndrome is treated by removal of the tumor and administering a medication called octreotide aimed at reducing the secretion of the vasodilating chemicals. Traditional antihistamines and H2-blockers like cimetidine and ranitidine used to treat acid reflux have also been effective in treating the facial flushing of carcinoid syndrome.

Treatment for carcinoid syndrome usually involves treating the underlying cancer. However, because most carcinoid tumors don't cause carcinoid syndrome until they're advanced, a cure may not be possible. In those cases, medications may relieve your carcinoid syndrome symptoms and make you more comfortable.

Flushing, or blushing, happens when you have increased blood flow to the face. It's commonly caused by strong emotions, exercise, certain medicines, spicy foods, temperature change, or drinking alcohol. In some cases, it can be caused by medical conditions, such as rosacea, menopause, high fever, and carcinoid syndrome. Contact your doctor if your flushing happens persistently, or if you have other symptoms such as diarrhea, hives, wheezing, or trouble breathing.

It depends on what is causing it. You can avoid some causes, such as spicy foods, extreme temperatures, or drinking alcohol. For health conditions like carcinoid syndrome, see your doctor for treatment. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Crying can often cause red blotches on the face and neck. All of these emotions can also coincide with an acute increase in blood pressure. Still, high blood pressure itself is not a cause of flushing, according to the American Heart Association. Rosacea is a skin condition that may produce swelling, redness, and acne-like sores. While the cause of rosacea is unknown, inflammation of the blood vessels from stress, spicy foods, and hot temperatures may worsen the condition.

Fair-skinned females between the ages of 30 and 50 are the most susceptible. Fifth disease is caused by a virus and can result in a red rash on the cheeks, arms, and legs. A red rash from fifth disease is more likely to appear in children than adults. It may mean that you have an underlying medical condition causing this sudden redness.

Home health options include avoiding specific triggers, such as spicy foods, hot beverages, toxins, bright sunlight, and extreme cold or heat.

Removing yourself from high-stress situations may also help prevent flushing. Flushing does not commonly result in serious medical problems. However, in some instances, a serious condition can be the underlying cause of flushing. Also, pinpointing your triggers can help prevent bouts of flushing.

There is no definitive method for preventing flushing. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of these episodes:. Helpful coping skills include relaxation techniques and cognitive behavioral skills. Also, hypnosis may be effective in treating some emotional issues that produce flushing. In many cases, occasional flushing is more of a hassle than a medical concern. Taking preventive steps to address your flushing can be very helpful in reducing your symptoms.

You should also see your healthcare provider for recurring episodes, since flushing can be linked to serious medical conditions.

Talk to your healthcare provider if your flushing becomes a persistent issue or if it occurs with other symptoms, such as diarrhea.

Your healthcare provider will likely want to take an inventory of your symptoms to determine the underlying cause of your flushing. They may ask you about the frequency, duration, location, and context of your symptoms. A medical exam and history will help supply required information for your healthcare provider to make a diagnosis. Be sure to mention other co-occurring symptoms, such as diarrhea, shallow breathing, or hives, so that your provider may evaluate them.

If your provider finds your symptoms are emotionally based, they may refer you to a psychotherapist. These professionals can teach you skills to help you cope with extreme emotional events and prevent flushing.

Red skin syndrome RSS is caused by long-term or excessive use of topical steroid drugs. Are you at risk? Find out more about the symptoms and causes. With that said, my advice is to keep it simple with the ingredients as the longer the list the higher the chance that something in there will irritate you.

The redness formulations are generally tested for that, so look to tried and tested formulas that other people are recommending. Then the rest is up to you and your dermatologist for trial and error. This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here. More From Forbes. May 5, , am EDT. May 1, , am EDT. Apr 28, , am EDT. Apr 17, , am EDT. Apr 8, , am EDT. Mar 26, , am EDT. Mar 2, , am EST. Jul 19, , pm EDT. May 10, , pm EDT. Edit Story.