Red faces (hot flashes): symptoms, causes, drugs, etc. • hello healthy

x

Definition

What are hot flashes (red faces)?

Hot flashes is a sudden onset of warmth, which is usually most pronounced on the face, neck and chest. Facial skin will generally flush like blushing. That's why this condition is also known as flushing. Hot flashes it can also cause excessive sweating and chills.

Although there are several other hormonal conditions that cause this condition, flushing is generally caused when a woman enters menopause, which is when menstrual periods stop. Red faces are a common symptom that occurs as a result of the transition to menopause.

Frequency of occurrence hot flashes in women it is usually different. However, generally this ranges from only once or twice a day to once every hour.

How common is this condition?

This condition of reddening of your face is very common, especially in women at the age of menopause. This condition can occur in patients of any age. Hot flashes can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of hot flashes?

The main symptoms of hot flashes is:

• A sudden feeling of warmth spreads to the upper body and face
• A blushing appearance with red skin and blotches
• Heart beat fast
• Sweating, especially in the upper body
• Shivering so hot flashes died down

Frequency hot flashes different. You can experience it several times a day. Each of these episodes usually disappears within a few minutes. Generally this condition occurs at night. Many women experience flushing for more than a year. However, this condition usually goes away on its own in 4-5 years.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes flushing?

The exact cause of facial flushing is not known. However, this condition may be related to several factors, such as changes in reproductive hormones and body temperature regulation by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus.

In addition, this condition may also be triggered by the following:

• Hot flashes can be a side effect of some prescription drugs. Raloxifene (Evista), for osteoporosis, and tamoxifen (Tamoxifen and Nolvadex), for breast cancer, can cause skin tearing and cause flushing. This condition can also be a side effect of chemotherapy. You may also feel flushed after taking tramadol. However, this side effect is fairly rare.
• Some drugs sold in pharmacies can also cause similar symptoms hot flashes menopause. Check the labels of any medicines you take. And be sure to discuss its use with a doctor or pharmacist.
• Certain spicy foods, especially peppercorns, are a common cause of flushing. Spicy foods can dilate blood vessels and stimulate nerve endings. This biological change causes extreme heat. Alcohol, for some people, also has an effect similar to flushing.
• Stress, anxiety, or anger can cause the body to produce stress hormones, namely epinephrine and norepinephrine. These two hormones pump blood flow and produce a warm sensation in the body. Similar to blushing, " flushing "It can result from a variety of factors, from stress to spinal cord injuries and migraine headaches." Flushing causes all parts of the body to become red and hot. Sometimes, flushing is simply an allergic skin reaction to a food or environmental element not related to stress.

Triggers

What puts me at risk for this condition?

There are many triggers that can give you a flushed face, including:

• Smoke: Female smokers are more susceptible hot flashes .
• Obesity: People with a high Body Mass Index (BMI or BMI) are also associated with a high frequency of flushing.
• Not physically active: If you do not or rarely exercise, you are more prone to experiencing hot flashes during menopause.

Not all menopausal women experience this condition. It cannot be explained why only some women experience it.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How are hot flashes (red faces) diagnosed?

Your doctor can usually diagnose flushing based on a description of your symptoms. To determine what is causing the flushing, your doctor may order blood tests to see if you are in the transition to menstruation.

How to deal with red face?

The most effective way to deal with flushing is estrogen. However, its use can increase the risk of other health problems. Medications such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants can also reduce hot flashes .

Before starting its use, discuss the pros and cons of various treatments with your doctor. If this flushing doesn't interfere with your life, you may not need treatment. For most women, this condition subsides gradually over several years.

Some treatments that can be done as a way to deal with red face include:

Hormone therapy

Estrogen and progesterone are reducing hormones hot flashes . Women who have had a hysterectomy can use estrogen alone. However, if you still have a uterus, you must take progesterone along with estrogen to protect yourself from cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer).

The combination of the drug bazedoxifene with conjugated estrogens (Duavee) has been approved for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. These drugs may avoid increasing the risk of cancer, but more study is needed. Estrogen therapy is not a viable option if you have had blood clots or breast cancer.

Antidepressants

Low doses of certain antidepressants can reduce facial flushing, such as Venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq), Paroxetine (Brisdelle, Paxil, Pexeva), Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem). Brisdelle is the only antidepressant drug that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating hot flushes. However, these drugs tend to be expensive compared to generic preparations.

Medicines and other preparations are provided without labels. Antidepressants are not as effective as hormone therapy for serious conditions, but they can help women who can't or don't want to use hormones. Possible side effects include headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, weight gain, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, suicidal thoughts (depression) and withdrawal syndrome if the drug is stopped suddenly.

Some of the side effects may decrease over time or with an adjustment in the dosage. If you have suicidal thoughts while taking this drug, seek medical help immediately.

Other prescription drugs

Other medications that can relieve red face symptoms include:

• Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise). Gabapentin is an anti-seizure drug that is quite effective in reducing hot flashes . Side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness and headaches.
• Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay, others). Clonidine, pills or patch commonly used to treat high blood pressure, it can also relieve hot flashes . Side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and constipation.

Prevention

What can I do to prevent hot flashes?

Here are lifestyle changes, precautions, and ways to deal with flushing that you might be able to do at home.

• Keep body cool. A slight increase in your core temperature can trigger a flushed face. Wear layers so you can remove your clothes when you feel warm. Open a window or use a fan / air conditioner. Lower the room temperature if possible. If you feel hot flashes will appear, drink a cold drink.
• Watch what you eat and drink. Hot and spicy foods, caffeinated drinks and alcohol can trigger it hot flashes . Learn the triggers and avoid them.
• Relax. Some women improve their flushing with meditation or other stress-reducing techniques. Although these steps may not solve hot flashes , You can get other benefits, such as relieving sleep disorders that tend to appear with menopause.
• Quit smoking. Smoking can cause hot flashes getting worse. By not smoking, you can reduce the condition of your blushing as well as the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke and cancer.
• Lose weight. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help treat flushing.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.