Sudden redness

What is it about ?

These are attacks characterized by sudden reddening of the skin. This reddening is caused by the dilation of the smallest blood vessels in the skin. As a result, the amount of blood flowing to the skin is increased. The cause is usually mild.

The possible causes are:

• normal blushing,
• hot flashes during menopause,
• the skin condition known as rosacea (rosacea),
• the effort,
• Alcohol consumption,
• the heat,
• fever,
• consumption of spicy food.

In rare cases, the cause lies in mental disorders, side effects of drugs, allergic reactions, diseases of the nervous system such as Parkinson disease or some rare malignancies.

How to recognize them?

Sometimes there are warning symptoms, such as a sudden feeling of heat and tightness, associated with sweating. The redness associated with flushing and hot flashes is usually localized on the face: especially on the cheeks, neck and chest.

The rosacea remains limited to the face and is accompanied by pimples (papules and pustules).

In the case of general infections accompanied by fever and allergic reactions, other parts of the skin also redden. If there is an underlying condition, the associated symptoms will naturally be present.

How is the diagnosis made?

Most often, the diagnosis is clear after careful discussion and physical examination. In case of doubt or suspicion of an underlying condition, additional examinations will be carried out, for example a blood test and, if necessary, medical imaging examinations.

What can you do ?

Try to avoid situations that trigger the symptoms. Certain relaxation techniques can help you control the feeling of panic and anxiety disorders. You can also hide the redness with the help of cosmetics.

What can your doctor do?

• People who suffer a lot from rash may benefit from a low dose of the beta blocker. It is a drug which lowers blood pressure and heart rate, but which also has an influence on nervous reactions, and therefore on the appearance of redness.
• Bothersome hot flashes can be treated with hormones.
• When you have concerns, anxiety and panic, sometimes antidepressants can help.
• If necessary, you will be referred to a specialist.

Source

Foreign clinical practice guide ‘Episodic’ flushing ‘attacks’ (2013), updated on 10.05.2016 and adapted to the Belgian context on 02.06.2019 – ebpracticenet