What causes facial flushing?

Jun 19, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Coming home for vacation, I noticed my mother's face was very red. She said it had been like that for several days, and she also felt slightly unwell. The doctor said it was due to hot flushes. But what exactly are facial hot flushes?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
Facial flushing may be caused by various factors. Physiological factors, such as emotional excitement, stress, or intense physical activity, can lead to sympathetic nervous system activation and blood vessel dilation, resulting in facial redness. Environmental factors, including high temperature, humidity, or sudden changes in temperature, may also trigger facial flushing. Pathological causes include common illnesses such as colds, allergies, and heatstroke, as well as constitutional imbalances described in traditional Chinese medicine, such as yin deficiency with hyperactive fire. Additionally, impaired skin barrier function or improper use of cosmetics can contribute to facial redness. When experiencing facial flushing, it is recommended to comprehensively assess potential causes based on individual circumstances and, if necessary, seek medical advice from a healthcare professional to avoid delaying proper diagnosis and treatment.