FLUSHING

The skin reddening so typical of both flushing and blushing is caused by the dilation of superficial blood vessels and most commonly affects the face, neck and chest. The reaction is caused by the release of chemicals and can be provoked in many different ways. For example, it happens during the menopause when the flushes may either be intermittent, or persistent and last for years. Why flushing occurs at this time is not understood precisely but hormone replacement therapy seems to help. Flushing can also be produced by drinking alcohol, after taking drugs, while suffering from high temperature. There are also few medical disorders in which flushing is one of the symptoms.