Flushing

Definition: Slowly spreading erythema of the skin due to a temporary dilatation of the capillaries. Usually involves the face, neck and upper anterior chest. Differentiated from blushing by its severity, duration and extent.

Causes

  1. Emotion
  2. Alcohol (also disulphiram, metronidazole)
  3. Menopause
  4. Carcinoid syndrome
  5. Systemic mastocytosis
  6. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
  7. Phaeochromocytoma
  8. Epileptic aura
  9. Hypo- or hyperglycaemia
  10. Rosacea