what causes the skin to be flushed?
Flushing is an involuntary, temporary reddening of the skin, usually of the face. Facial flushing may be accompanied by flushing of the neck or chest. In general, flushing results from dilation of the blood vessels beneath the skin surface. Although flushing is similar to blushing, flushing typically refers to a more pronounced redness of the face than blushing. In most cases, flushing occurs as a normal body response to physical circumstances, including exercise, hot temperatures, or consumption of alcohol or spicy foods.