In many cases, rosacea is the main culprit behind facial redness, and treatment generally involves use of antibiotic creams. The following HealthHearty article elaborates more on the causes of flushing.
Facial redness, also referred to as facial blushing, commonly occurs as a consequence of a skin problem known as rosacea. In this condition, the facial area turns red. The unusual redness typically starts at the nose and eventually spreads to the cheeks, chin, and the forehead, and causes expansion of blood vessels. As a result, the blood vessels can be distinctly seen on the skin affected with rosacea. Apart from visible blood vessels, small red bumps also develop. The skin becomes very sensitive and inflamed, accompanied by a burning sensation that may worsen with time.
Treatment for Rosacea
Initial treatment involves usage of topical antibiotics that help to reduce the redness and the inflammation. They are mentioned below:
- Metronidazole
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Azelaic acid
- Tretinoin
Oral antibiotics may be prescribed if the skin problem refuses to respond to antibiotic cream. The most commonly prescribed oral medications are given below:
- Tetracycline
- Erythromycin
- Minocycline
Laser Surgery
The doctor may recommend laser surgery if the skin condition does not respond to oral and topical antibiotics. In this procedure, the affected part of the facial skin is bombarded with an intense beam of light. The laser beam passes through the superficial skin and strikes the blood vessels that have dilated. The heat generated by the beam of light ruptures the visible blood vessels, which helps to reduce redness. As these damaged blood vessels are not in a position to carry blood properly, they do not expand and are eventually replaced by healthy blood vessels.
Dermabrasion
This treatment method is used only when the nose becomes red and thick due to formation of bumps. In this procedure, the doctor uses a dermatome such as a wire brush to scrap the affected part of the skin. The intention is to remove the bumps and bring the inflamed skin to its normal level. This process is bound to cause bleeding but eventually the injuries heal making way for new skin growth. This method is not recommended if the pimples are on the cheeks or forehead.
Cryosurgery
In this method, the affected part of the skin that appears red and swollen, is frozen using liquid nitrogen. This method actually causes destruction of the inflamed tissue, which is then removed manually.
Other Causes
Exercise
Exercising causes increased blood flow to different parts of the body including the skin. A strenuous exercise performed for a longer duration boosts blood circulation to the surface of the skin, including the face, which manifests in the form of facial redness that may last for quite some time.
Alcohol
Too much alcohol consumption causes ‘blood sludging’, a condition that interferes with normal blood flow. In this condition, the red blood cells accumulate forming a bunch. This puts excessive pressure on the blood vessels, causing expansion of these blood carriers. That is why people who drink alcohol in unacceptable amounts suffer from red blotchy skin that generally appears on the face. For heavy alcohol drinkers, reducing alcohol intake is recommended.
Strong Emotions
Anger is one of the common reasons behind the face turning red. When a person becomes angry, these blood vessels constrict (compress), leading to rise in blood pressure. The increased blood pressure, however causes expansion of capillaries (blood vessels) that are near the surface of the skin, leading to facial blushing. Inability to handle an embarrassing situation too can make the face red. In such cases, treatment involves practicing yoga and meditation techniques for 20-25 minutes daily. This can certainly help to control emotions and enable you to handle any stressful situation with ease.
Undue exposure to the sun and intake of high blood pressure (HBP) medications that dilate the blood vessels are some of the other reasons that make the skin look red. However, these factors turn the skin red only for a short while and is a minor issue. However, if rosacea is the cause then the solution would be to take appropriate treatment at the earliest.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
