Flushing (physiology) - Definition

For a person to flush is to become markedly red in the face and often other areas of the skin, from various physiological conditions. (Flushing is generally distingushed, 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 and blushing can lead to rosacea.

Causes of flushing can include:

• sexual arousal
• an abrupt cessation of physical exertion (resulting in heart output in excess of current muscular need for blood flow)
• physiological response to vasodilators, for instance, a recent high dose of niacin