Facial Flushing and Redness

The symptoms of facial flushing and redness vary from person to person and depend on the cause. Your symptoms may be mild or severe and may happen all or some of the time. 

Symptoms of facial flushing and redness may include: 

• redness on your face, neck, and upper chest

• red patches or blotches on your skin 

• a sensation of being too warm

• sweating 

• skin rash

Facial flushing and redness occur when the blood vessels below the surface of your skin expand, increasing blood flow to your face. 

This is often a physical reaction to feelings of anxiety, stress, embarrassment, anger or excitement.

Other causes of facial flushing and redness include: 

• fever

• heart attack

• heat stroke

• heat exhaustion

• hyperthyroidism

• allergic reaction

• menopause

• excessive niacin (vitamin B3) intake

• rosacea

• heat exposure or rapid changes in temperature

• eating hot or spicy foods

• drinking alcohol

• certain medicines, such as those used to treat diabetes and high cholesterol

• physical activity

At your first appointment, your dermatologist will ask you about your symptoms, general health, family and medical history and any medications you take regularly. They’ll then perform a physical examination of your skin. 

In some cases, your consultant may order some tests, such as a blood test or imaging scans, to check for any underlying health conditions that could be causing your symptoms.

Your consultant will make a diagnosis using a combination of your symptoms, physical examination and any test results. They’ll explain your diagnosis to you and create a personalised treatment plan that best suits your needs.

Depending on the cause, it may not always be possible to prevent facial flushing and redness; however, there are steps you can take to reduce episodes of facial flushing. 

If an underlying medical condition is the cause of your facial flushing/redness, treating this may help to reduce your symptoms. 

To help prevent or reduce facial flushing and redness: 

• limit or reduce alcohol 

• avoid exposing your skin to the sun

• avoid hot or spicy foods and drinks

• avoid exposure to extreme cold or heat

• avoid taking too much niacin 

• work on techniques to regulate the emotions that may trigger your facial flushing

Facial flushing isn’t usually serious, and complications are rare. However, prolonged or persistent facial flushing and redness can lead to complications, including: 

• permanent skin redness 

• stinging or burning of your skin 

• thread veins (telangiectasias)

• rhinophyma – thickened skin and an enlarged, reddish, bumpy nose due to an overgrowth of sebaceous glands and connective tissue

• acne-like bumps and pus-filled spots 

• dry, irritated eyes (ocular rosacea)

There are several options available for facial flushing and redness, including short and long-term treatments. 

Your dermatologist will discuss the treatment options with you and recommend the best course of action depending on your symptoms, medical history and expectations for treatment. 

These include: 

• applying a cold compress to your skin and having a cool drink can temporarily reduce facial flushing and redness

• talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, can help if your facial flushing is due to emotional factors

• medicines/treatments to reduce anxiety and address any underlying conditions that are causing your facial flushing and redness

• avoiding triggers such as hot and spicy foods, hot beverages and alcohol 

• laser treatment can be used to destroy the small blood vessels at the surface of the skin to help reduce redness long-term

At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.