Red faces are generally the body's normal response to emotions, such as embarrassment, anger, stress, or pleasure. In addition to the response to emotions, red faces can also be caused by certain medical conditions.
Normal red face occurs when emotions arise that trigger the dilation of blood vessels in the face, so that blood flow to the face increases. However, if your face is too red or doesn't go away, it could be that your red face is an abnormal condition.
Diseases That Cause Red Face
There are several medical conditions that can cause a red face, including:
1. Acne
Almost everyone has had acne. This condition is generally characterized by small reddish spots or bumps and sometimes accompanied by pus. Acne sometimes causes pain and itching when it becomes inflamed, causing the face to turn red.
2. Rosacea
Rosacea is a long-term skin disease that attacks the facial area and causes a red face. The red face in this disease is generally difficult to remove, feels sore and stinging, and small blood vessels appear on the surface of the skin. In addition to the face, this condition can also attack the ears, chest, and back.
3. Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis usually affects the scalp, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the nose, ears, eyelids, and chest. On the face, seborrheic dermatitis can cause a red face. This disease can be experienced by adults and infants. Symptoms that can occur in addition to a red face are stubborn dandruff and an itchy scalp.
4. Lupus
Red face can also be caused by lupus. This autoimmune disease has symptoms, such as muscle and joint pain, a red rash shaped like a butterfly on the face (malar rash), as well as nail damage. Lupus is often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms almost resemble those of other diseases.
5. Menopause
Menopause is a condition when the menstrual cycle ends. At menopause, about 80 percent of women will experience hot flash, namely a hot sensation that appears suddenly on the face and body for 1–5 minutes. This sensation will appear along with a red face.
6. Medicines
Side effects of drugs, such as corticosteroids, calcium antagonists, thyroid hormones, prostaglandins, rifampin, and nitroglycerin, can cause flushing. In some cases, the red color of the face may be caused by histamine, a chemical released in response to the immune system to drugs.
Other Causes of Red Face
As explained above, normal blushing occurs in response to an emotional outburst. In addition, there are several conditions that can normally cause a red face, including:
Food
Spicy foods that contain red chilies or peppers can make your face turn red. This is because spicy food reacts to the nervous system by dilating blood vessels, making the face look red and sweaty. Foods that use excessive micin can also cause a red face.
Sport
When you exercise, the capillaries in the face and throughout the body will widen so that blood flow increases. This occurs as the body's natural response to release heat through the skin's surface and cool the body.
Sunlight
Red faces can also be caused by sunburned skin. When exposed to the sun for too long, the skin will become red, painful, and peeling may occur.
Some of the things above can be the cause of your red face. Although most red face conditions are normal, you are still advised to consult a doctor if you experience it.
Especially if the red face does not subside within a few weeks and is accompanied by acne, nausea, itching, dizziness, or swelling in the mouth area.