Redness and Flushing

Redness and Flushing

Redness in the face can occur for a number of reasons. Skin flushing or blushing occurs as a result of increased blood flow to an area of skin. The blood vessels enlarge, creating a flushed appearance. The cheeks and chest are most commonly flushed because they are commonly where blood vessels are closest to the skin. Flushing can occur for a variety of reasons including stress, embarrassment, and heat, and is usually short-lived.

More permanent redness can be due to a variety of underlying medical conditions, some of which are explained below. Both medical and cosmetic treatments are available to remedy redness and flushing if they are causing concern.

What are some of the most common causes of redness in the face?

Sunburns, acne, and hot flashes during menopause can create more lasting redness in the face. Additionally, having an allergic reaction to offending allergens such as fragrances, preservatives, soap, or latex can irritate the skin and cause redness.

What other skin conditions can cause prolonged facial redness?

There are numerous medical conditions that cause redness, of which some of the most common ones are listed below:

Rosacea occurs when the skin is extremely sensitive to environmental triggers, including warmer temperature, spicy foods, and alcohol. Different types of rosacea are possible, including the flat redness of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) and the bumpy redness of papulopustular rosacea. Our dermatologists are able to manage rosacea through a variety of treatments to find the one that works best for you.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that leads to flakiness (dandruff), red skin, and scaly patches. It can occur at any age and can affect the face, scalp, groin area or under the breasts. Symptoms may go away on their own but they can become worse in the cold or with stress. If the symptoms become uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing, it is best to see a skilled dermatologic and Mohs surgeon to manage the condition.

Eczema or Atopic dermatitis causes the skin to become red and itchy, sometimes appearing like an allergic reaction. Scratching the affected area can cause raw and swollen skin or small bumps that crust over. It is best to see a dermatologist if there may be an infection or the condition begins to affect daily activities.

Psoriasis is a condition where new cells are made so quickly that the cells pile up on the surface, creating thick, scaly, red plaques. They can appear anywhere on the skin but are commonly on the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp. Since this is a chronic disease, it is best to be seen to learn how it can be controlled.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the body’s own organs. This can cause redness and typically a rash across the face, including in the shape of a butterfly over the cheeks and nose. Our board-certified and experienced dermatologists will be able to identify and treat the redness while working with your other health care providers who treat the lupus.

What treatments are available for facial redness?

Depending on the medical condition, there are a multitude of medical and cosmetic treatments available for treatment. One excellent treatment for redness on the face is the pulsed dye laser (known as Vbeam) which has consistently shown excellent results for over 25 years. One of our experienced and board-certified dermatologists at Skin & Laser Dermatology will be able to tailor your treatment plan to your needs and help to reduce facial redness.