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{{Short description|Redness of the face due to physiological conditions}}
{{Refimprove|date=June 2018}}
{{Refimprove|date=June 2018}}
{{Infobox medical condition (new)
{{Infobox medical condition (new)
| name = Flushing
| name = Flushing
| image = The Alcohol Flushing Response.png
| image = The Alcohol Flushing Response.png
| caption = Facial flushing in a 22-year-old ALDH2 heterozygote before (left) and after (right) drinking alcohol.
| caption = Facial flushing in a 22-year-old man before (left) and after (right)
| field = [[Dermatology]]
| field = [[Dermatology]]
| symptoms =
| symptoms =
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| deaths =
| deaths =
}}
}}
'''Flushing''' is to become markedly [[red]] in the [[face]] and often other areas of the skin, from various [[physiology|physiological]] conditions. Flushing is generally distinguished, despite a close physiological relation between them, from [[blushing]], which is milder, generally restricted to the face, cheeks or ears, and generally assumed to reflect emotional [[Stress (biology)|stress]], such as [[embarrassment]], [[anger]], or [[lovestruck|romantic stimulation]]. Flushing is also a cardinal symptom of [[carcinoid syndrome]]—the syndrome that results from [[hormone]]s (often [[serotonin]] or [[histamine]]) being [[secreted]] into [[systemic circulation]].
'''Flushing''' is to become markedly [[red]] in the [[face]] and often other areas of the skin, from various [[physiology|physiological]] conditions. Flushing is generally distinguished from [[blushing]], since blushing is psychosomatic, milder, generally restricted to the face, cheeks or ears, and generally assumed to reflect emotional [[Stress (biology)|stress]], such as [[embarrassment]], [[anger]], or [[lovestruck|romantic stimulation]]. Flushing is also a cardinal symptom of [[carcinoid syndrome]]—the syndrome that results from [[hormone]]s (often [[serotonin]] or [[histamine]]) being [[secreted]] into [[systemic circulation]].


==Causes==
==Causes==
{{Div col}}

* abrupt cessation of physical [[Exercise|exertion]] (resulting in [[heart]] output in excess of current [[muscle|muscular]] need for [[blood flow]])
* abrupt cessation of physical [[Exercise|exertion]] (resulting in [[heart]] output in excess of current [[muscle|muscular]] need for [[blood flow]])
* [[Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome|abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome]] (ACNES), usually in patients who have had [[abdominal surgery]]
* [[Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome|abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome]] (ACNES), usually in patients who have had [[abdominal surgery]]
* [[alcohol flush reaction]]
* [[alcohol flush reaction]]
* [[allergies]]
* [[antiestrogen]]s such as [[tamoxifen]]
* [[antiestrogen]]s such as [[tamoxifen]]
* [[atropine]] poisoning
* [[atropine]] poisoning
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* emotions: [[anger]], [[embarrassment]] (for this reason it is also called ''erythema pudoris'', from the Latinized Greek word for "redness" and the Latin "of [[embarrassment]]")
* emotions: [[anger]], [[embarrassment]] (for this reason it is also called ''erythema pudoris'', from the Latinized Greek word for "redness" and the Latin "of [[embarrassment]]")
* [[fever]]
* [[fever]]
* [[Kratom]]
* [[fibromyalgia]]
* [[fibromyalgia]]
* high doses of non flush free [[niacin]] ([[Vitamin B3 complex|vitamin B<sub>3</sub>]])
* [[histamines]]
* [[histamines]]
* [[homocystinuria]] (flushing across the cheeks)
* [[homocystinuria]] (flushing across the cheeks)
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* [[hyperthyroidism]]
* [[hyperthyroidism]]
* [[inflammation]] (for example, caused by [[allergy|allergic reaction]] or [[infection]])
* [[inflammation]] (for example, caused by [[allergy|allergic reaction]] or [[infection]])
* [[iron poisoning]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Heller |first1=Jacob L. |title=Iron overdose |url=https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002659.htm |website=MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia |publisher=[[National Institutes of Health]] |accessdate=15 July 2019 |language=en |date=10 Aug 2017}}</ref>
* [[iron poisoning]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Heller |first1=Jacob L. |title=Iron overdose |url=https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002659.htm |website=MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia |publisher=[[National Institutes of Health]] |access-date=15 July 2019 |language=en |date=10 Aug 2017}}</ref>
* [[Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction]] (caused by antibiotics)
* [[Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction]] (caused by antibiotics)
* [[keratosis pilaris rubra faceii]]
* [[keratosis pilaris rubra faceii]]
* [[Limerence]] (side effect)
* [[Kratom]]
* [[mastocytosis]]
* [[mastocytosis]]
* [[medullary thyroid cancer]]
* [[medullary thyroid cancer]]
* mixing an [[antibiotic]] with [[Alcoholic drink|alcohol]]
* mixing an [[antibiotic]] with [[Alcoholic drink|alcohol]]
* neuroendocrine tumors
* [[Niacin (substance)|niacin]] ([[Vitamin B3 complex|vitamin B<sub>3</sub>]])
* [[pheochromocytoma]]
* [[pheochromocytoma]]
* [[polycythemia vera]]
* [[polycythemia vera]]
* powerful [[vasodilator]]s, such as [[dihydropyridine]] [[calcium channel blockers]]
* powerful [[vasodilator]]s, such as [[dihydropyridine]] [[calcium channel blockers]]
* [[rosacea]]
* severe pain
* severe pain
* [[sexual arousal]], especially [[orgasm]] ([[Flushing (physiology)#Sex flush|see following section]])
* [[sexual arousal]], especially [[orgasm]] ([[Flushing (physiology)#Sex flush|see following section]])
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* [[tachycardia]]
* [[tachycardia]]
* [[vinpocetine]]
* [[vinpocetine]]
{{Div col end}}


===Sex flush===
===Sex flush===
Commonly referred to as the sex flush, [[vasocongestion]] (increased [[blood]] flow) of the [[skin]] can occur during all four phases of the [[human sexual response cycle]]. Studies show that the sex flush occurs in approximately 50–75% of [[female]]s and 25% of [[male]]s, yet not consistently. The sex flush tends to occur more often under warmer conditions and may not appear at all under lower [[temperature]]s.
Commonly referred to as the sex flush, [[vasocongestion]] (increased [[blood]] flow) of the [[Human skin|skin]] can occur during all four phases of the [[human sexual response cycle]]. Studies show that the sex flush occurs in approximately 50–75% of [[female]]s and 25% of [[male]]s, yet not consistently.{{cn|date=September 2022}} The sex flush tends to occur more often under warmer conditions and may not appear at all under lower [[temperature]]s.{{cn|date=September 2022}}


During the [[female]] sex flush, [[pink]]ish spots develop under the [[breast]]s, then spread to the [[breast]]s, [[torso]], [[face]], [[hands]], [[Sole (foot)|soles]] of the [[foot|feet]], and possibly over the entire [[Human body|body]]. Vasocongestion is also responsible for the darkening of the [[clitoris]] and the walls of the [[vagina]] during [[sexual arousal]]. During the [[male]] sex flush, the [[color]]ation of the skin develops less consistently than in the female, but typically starts with the [[epigastrium]] (upper [[abdomen]]), spreads across the [[chest]], then continues to the [[neck]], [[face]], [[forehead]], [[back]], and sometimes, [[shoulder]]s and [[forearm]]s.
During the female sex flush, [[pink]]ish spots develop under the [[breast]]s, then spread to the breasts, [[torso]], [[face]], [[hands]], [[Sole (foot)|soles]] of the [[foot|feet]], and possibly over the entire [[Human body|body]]. Vasocongestion is also responsible for the darkening of the [[clitoris]] and the walls of the [[vagina]] during [[sexual arousal]]. During the male sex flush, the [[color]]ation of the skin develops less consistently than in the female, but typically starts with the [[epigastrium]] (upper [[abdomen]]), spreads across the [[chest]], then continues to the [[neck]], [[face]], [[forehead]], [[Human back|back]], and sometimes, [[shoulder]]s and [[forearm]]s.{{cn|date=September 2022}}


The sex flush typically disappears soon after reaching [[orgasm]], but in other cases, may take up to two hours or more, and sometimes intense [[sweat]]ing occurs simultaneously.
The sex flush typically disappears soon after reaching [[orgasm]], but in other cases, may take up to two hours or more, and sometimes intense [[sweat]]ing occurs simultaneously.{{cn|date=September 2022}}


==See also==
==See also==
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{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
{{Medical resources
{{Medical resources
| ICD10 = {{ICD10|R|23|2|r|20}}
| ICD10 = {{ICD10|R|23|2|r|20}}
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}}
}}
{{Skin and subcutaneous tissue symptoms and signs}}
{{Skin and subcutaneous tissue symptoms and signs}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Flushing (Physiology)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Flushing (Physiology)}}
[[Category:Symptoms and signs: Skin and subcutaneous tissue]]
[[Category:Sexual arousal]]
[[Category:Sexual arousal]]
[[Category:Symptoms and signs: Skin and subcutaneous tissue]]

Latest revision as of 12:58, 21 September 2024

Flushing
Facial flushing in a 22-year-old man before (left) and after (right)
SpecialtyDermatology

Flushing is to become markedly red in the face and often other areas of the skin, from various physiological conditions. Flushing is generally distinguished from blushing, since blushing is psychosomatic, milder, generally restricted to the face, cheeks or ears, and generally assumed to reflect emotional stress, such as embarrassment, anger, or romantic stimulation. Flushing is also a cardinal symptom of carcinoid syndrome—the syndrome that results from hormones (often serotonin or histamine) being secreted into systemic circulation.

Causes

[edit]

Sex flush

[edit]

Commonly referred to as the sex flush, vasocongestion (increased blood flow) of the skin can occur during all four phases of the human sexual response cycle. Studies show that the sex flush occurs in approximately 50–75% of females and 25% of males, yet not consistently.[citation needed] The sex flush tends to occur more often under warmer conditions and may not appear at all under lower temperatures.[citation needed]

During the female sex flush, pinkish spots develop under the breasts, then spread to the breasts, torso, face, hands, soles of the feet, and possibly over the entire body. Vasocongestion is also responsible for the darkening of the clitoris and the walls of the vagina during sexual arousal. During the male sex flush, the coloration of the skin develops less consistently than in the female, but typically starts with the epigastrium (upper abdomen), spreads across the chest, then continues to the neck, face, forehead, back, and sometimes, shoulders and forearms.[citation needed]

The sex flush typically disappears soon after reaching orgasm, but in other cases, may take up to two hours or more, and sometimes intense sweating occurs simultaneously.[citation needed]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Heller, Jacob L. (10 Aug 2017). "Iron overdose". MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved 15 July 2019.