Facial Flushing - Rare Disorders Message Board

Claire_jan · 01-12-2001, 10:04 AM

I am a 24 yr-old male. For the past 5-6 years I have experienced occasions where my face will flush, usually mid-morning or mid-afternoon for no reason. Episodes can last from half an hour to a few hours.

I have been seeing a dermatologist for years, and we have not been able to control it. It is not rosacea, it is simply flushing in the cheeks. I've tried Inderal (propranolol), but it seems to be ineffective.

This is uncomfortable and embarrassing. Has anyone had similar experiences and know of any possible treatments? I am so tired of it.

Please help.

Harry · 01-15-2001, 06:42 PM

Hi,
I have had a similar problem with my scalp and forehead. I went to several doctors(derms.,allergists, arthritis docs) and even had a punch biopsy that revealed nothing. I thought back to when the flushing started and it began when I changed shampoo. After much experimenting with different soaps and shampoos, I decided it is caused by a reaction to an additive in the various shampoos and also soaps.

I finally found an herbal shampoo and soap at a health food store that did not cause a reaction. What was so odd the flushing never happened immediately---maybe the next morning and afternoon and only to my head and forehead and not every day. I even used baby shampoo and I flushed.

You may just have a similar problem ----worth checking out.
God Bless---Harry

Claire_jan · 01-16-2001, 07:01 AM

Harry - that it "never happened immediately" and "not everyday" and only in certain areas sounds exactly like my problem -- and also the reason I ruled out my soap. I've been using the same facial cleanser (Neutrogena Non Drying Cleanser) for 6-7 years, slightly longer than the flushing problem. I'll experiment and see if that's it...

Thanks so much for sharing.

pogues6 · 01-16-2001, 11:51 AM

Hello, my case isn't as bad as your's. it use to be when I was younger. I still get facial flushes though but not nearly as bad, I can't tell you why though, sorry. I don't think it's something ou can quite control. I now this will probably sound stupid to you, But well first of all i guess i should telly you i''m a girls and i don't know if you limit this to a girl thing but i noticed that when i started going tanning like in tanning beds, the more tan i got the less my face would show my red cheeks. I know this is only a short term effect though, unless you have no problem going tanning like two times a week.
Well get back to me , i would like to know if you have found out other ways, or got any new info from your doctors.

Claire_jan · 01-16-2001, 04:21 PM

I also tend to think it is internal and beyond control, as my skin has always been sensitive to begin with. Hoping to "outgrow" it, 6 years later I'm getting discouraged.

For now I'll try new soaps and let you know what happens. Thanks for your input!