View source for Flushing (physiology)


{{SignSymptom infobox |
  Name        = Flushing |
  ICD10       = {{ICD10|R|23|2|r|20}} |
  ICD9        = {{ICD9|782.62}} |
}}
For a person to '''flush''' is to become markedly [[red]] in the [[face]] and often other areas of the skin, from various [[physiology|physiological]] conditions. Flushing is generally distinguished, despite a close physiological relation between them, from [[blushing]], which is milder, generally restricted to the face or cheeks, and generally assumed to reflect embarrassment. Flushing is also a cardinal symptom of [[carcinoid]] syndrome &ndash; the syndrome that results from [[hormone]]s (often [[serotonin]] or [[histamine]]) being secreted into systemic circulation.

==Causes of flushing==
* [[sexual arousal]] (see section to follow)
* emotions: anger, embarrassment
* an abrupt cessation of physical [[Exercise|exertion]] (resulting in [[heart]] output in excess of current [[muscle|muscular]] need for [[blood]] flow) 
* physiological response to [[vasodilator]]s, for instance, a recent high dose of [[niacin]], [[nitroglycerine]], [[Calcium Channel Blocker|calcium channel blockers]], or any drug that causes release of [[adrenal]] [[hormone]]s that raise blood pressure such as [[stimulant]]s
* [[Menopause|post-menopausal]] decrease in estrogen production
* [[anaphylaxis]]
* neuroendocrine tumors: [[carcinoid syndrome]], [[pheochromocytoma]], [[VIPoma]], [[Thyroid cancer|thyroid medullary carcinoma]]
* mast cell tumor: [[mastocytosis]]
* Various psychedelics or other drugs, such as [[3-Quinuclidinyl benzilate|3-Quiniclidinyl Benzilate]](BZ) or [[Alcohol]]
*[[dehydration]]
*[[anxiety]]
*[[limerence]]
*[[Heat]]
*Topical [[Retinoids]]

==Sex flush==
Commonly referred to as the '''sex flush''', vasocongestion (increased [[blood]] flow) of the [[skin]] can occur during all four phases of the [[human sexual response cycle]]. Studies show that the sex flush occurs in approximately 50-75% of [[female]]s and 25% of [[male]]s, yet not consistently. The sex flush tends to occur more often under warmer conditions and may not appear at all under [[cool]]er [[temperature]]s. It has also been commonly observed that the marked degree of the sex flush can predict the intensity of [[orgasm]] to follow.

During the [[female]] sex flush, [[pink]]ish spots develop under the [[breast]]s, then spread to the [[breast]]s, [[torso]], [[face]], [[hands]], [[sole]]s of the [[foot|feet]], and possibly over the entire [[body]]. [[Vasocongestion]] is also responsible for the darkening of the [[clitoris]] and the walls of the [[vagina]] during [[sexual arousal]]. During the [[male]] sex flush, the [[color]]ation of the skin develops less consistently than in the female, but typically starts with the epigastrium (upper [[abdomen]]), spreads across the [[chest]], then continues to the [[neck]], [[face]], [[forehead]], [[back]], and sometimes, [[shoulder]]s and [[forearm]]s.

The sex flush typically disappears soon after [[orgasm]] occurs, but this may take up to two [[hour]]s or so, and sometimes, intense [[sweat]]ing will occur simultaneously. The flush usually diminishes in reverse of which it appeared.

==See also==
* [[pallor]]
* [[erythema]]
* [[rash]]

==External links==
*[http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/endocrinology/flushing/flushing.htm Flushing] by Chrisstian Nasr, MD

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