Red Cheeks Demystified: 17 Common Reasons for Your Rosy, Blushing Face

Why Are My Cheeks Always Red? Exploring 17 Reasons for Rosy Facial Skin

The Complete Guide from Acne to Rosacea!

Hey there, gorgeous! Are you wondering why your cheeks sometimes get flushed or are consistently red? The most common reasons for flushing are fever, hyperthermia, menopause, and… ROSACEA!!!¹ This complete list will uncover the secrets behind this common phenomenon and all of the varying causes of your facial redness.

What causes red cheeks?

Red cheeks can be a sign of youth and good health, but they might also indicate rosacea, acne, or other more serious illnesses. Some of these conditions cause blood vessels to widen near the skin’s surface, leading to a flushed appearance.

While the redness is often a natural response to elements like cold weather or spicy foods, understanding your specific concern is key to managing and treating your red cheeks effectively.

Get ready to discover the causes behind that rosy glow and take charge of your health!

Key Takeaways

• It’s important to see a doctor if facial redness persists
• Address facial redness early on to manage symptoms and potentially reverse your condition

17 Common Causes For Your Facial Redness

1. Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin condition. It can affect anyone, but its causes vary from person to person. Risk factors include:

• age: 30-50 years old
• family history of rosacea (likely subtype1: Erythmatotelangiectatic rosacea)F
• sun sensitivity
• light skin, light eyes
• history of smoking
• gut microbiome imbalances

Rosacea Symptoms

Rosacea causes red, flushed cheeks and increased sensitivity to the face. There are four types of rosacea, each with unique symptoms like:

• visible blood vessels
• acne-like bumps
• skin thickening
• flushing or redness of the face
• eye inflammation
• burning sensation

Managing rosacea can be challenging, but with proper care and support, it’s possible to find relief and improve your skin health.

Rosacea Treatment

If you think your red cheeks might be due to rosacea, follow these steps:

1. Consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
   • Distinguishing rosacea from other conditions like eczema or lupus is vital.
2. Focus on long-term prevention through lifestyle changes.
   • Understanding rosacea’s underlying causes is key. Gut health and rosacea go hand in hand. And while there’s currently no pharmaceutical cure, you can often manage your symptoms with diet and lifestyle modifications or take steps to reverse rosacea naturally. This involves uncovering your specific rosacea triggers and incorporating a rosacea diet to reduce inflammatory foods and flare-ups.

2. Acne

Acne is a skin condition that affects many people. Symptoms on the cheeks are often caused by hormonal changes or clogged pores.

Acne Symptoms

Symptoms can appear as red, inflamed bumps, or pimples. Some people may also have oily skin or blackheads and whiteheads. These blemishes may painful cysts, itching, or a burning sensation.

Acne and rosacea are commonly confused with one another as both can cause facial redness and bumps. However, acne redness is usually limited to pimples, whereas rosacea causes more widespread cheek and facial redness. While acne often appears on the chest, back, and shoulders, rosacea less frequently affects these areas and is primarily facial.

Acne Treatment

If you have red cheeks due to acne, it’s important to understand the symptoms and available treatments, such as washing your face regularly, using gentle products, and seeking advice from a dermatologist.

Treatment: There are various options available to treat facial acne. These include over-the-counter skincare like creams, gels, or cleansers with ingredients like Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid. In severe cases, a dermatologist may prescribe oral medications or topical treatments such as retinoids or antibiotics. It’s crucial to follow a consistent self-care routine and avoid popping or picking at the pimples to prevent scarring.

Autoimmune Disorders

An autoimmune disorder is when your body’s immune system attacks and destroys its own healthy body tissue by mistake.

There are about 80 autoimmune disorders, but only a few common ones affect your skin and cause red cheeks:

1. Eczema
2. Lupus
3. Psoriasis

3. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Now, let’s focus on the red cheeks that come with this atopic dermatitis, or eczema.

Eczema Symptoms

When you have eczema on your face, it’s common to have red cheeks. Your cheeks might:

• Look red
• Look inflamed
• Feel dry, itchy, and irritated

Addressing these symptoms quickly is important to avoid more discomfort and potential problems.

Eczema Treatment

Treating facial eczema involves a few key steps:

1. Identify and avoid triggers like certain skincare products, allergens, foods, or environmental irritants.
2. Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers designed to soothe and hydrate sensitive skin. Dermatologist-prescribed creams or ointments may be needed to reduce inflammation and control symptoms. In severe cases, your doctor might suggest oral medications or light therapy.

Pros of Treatment:

• Soothes and hydrates the skin.
• Reduces inflammation and manages symptoms.
• Aids healing and prevents further discomfort.

Cons of Treatment:

• Some products may aggravate eczema.
• Oral medications could have side effects like high blood pressure or gastrointestinal issues.
• Light therapy may require multiple sessions for effectiveness and often can make symptoms worse.

4. Lupus

The second autoimmune disorder that can cause redness on the cheeks is Lupus. The cause of lupus is still unknown, and researchers are still trying to learn what may trigger or lead to the disease.

Lupus Symptoms

Lupus, an autoimmune disorder, often presents a “butterfly rash” on the cheeks and nose. This rash, resembling a butterfly shape, causes facial redness and flushing, signaling an underlying autoimmune disease. Recognizing lupus symptoms is crucial for effective management.

Lupus Treatment

If you see persistent redness on your face, it’s important to see a healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis. The treatment options for red cheeks in Lupus aim to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. These may include using creams on the skin, taking oral medications, and making lifestyle changes to minimize triggers.

It’s crucial to work closely with a dermatologist or healthcare professional to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and ensures your safety.

5. Psoriasis

Psoriasis Symptoms

Psoriasis is a condition that causes the skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in raised, scaly patches. When psoriasis affects the face, it can cause redness and discomfort.

While there’s no cure for Psoriasis, treatments are available to improve the skin’s condition.

Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis on the face, causing redness and scaly patches, requires a personalized treatment plan based on severity and individual factors.

Key considerations include assessing the condition’s severity to determine suitable treatments, differentiating it from rosacea, and creating a holistic plan that may involve dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and gentle skincare routines. A proper understanding of these aspects is essential for effective psoriasis management.

6. Reaction from Medication (Drug Allergy)

Drug Allergy Symptoms

Sometimes, medications can cause allergic reactions, which can result in symptoms like redness, rashes, and itching on the face.

It’s important to be aware of these possible side effects and consult a healthcare professional if you experience any concerning symptoms after starting a new medication.

Drug Allergy Treatment

If you think your red cheeks are due to a drug allergy, it’s crucial to seek medical help. Your doctor can determine the cause of the reaction and provide appropriate treatment. This may involve stopping the medication and offering alternative options.

7. Spider Veins (Telangiectasias)

Spider Vein Symptoms

Spider veins, also known as Telangiectasias, are small blood vessels that become dilated and appear close to the surface of the skin. These veins can create a pattern that looks like a web and make the cheeks look flushed.

While spider veins are usually not harmful, they can be a cosmetic concern for some people. Telangiectasias often occurs in later stages of rosacea and for some, this is the first indication of a medical condition versus skin sensitivity.

Spider Vein Treatment

Here are three important things to know about spider veins and how to treat them:

• Spider veins can be a sign of rosacea, a long-term skin condition that causes facial flushing and redness. If you have red cheeks, rash, or facial flushing, it could be a sign of rosacea.

• Treatment options for spider veins include:

  1. Sclerotherapy
  2. Laser therapy
  3. Radiofrequency therapy

These procedures help to collapse and close off the affected blood vessels, reducing the appearance of redness.

It’s important to see a certified dermatologist for the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

8. Shingles

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus (varicella-zoster) that causes chickenpox.

Shingles Symptoms

When this virus becomes active again, it can affect the nerves and lead to a rash that makes the cheeks red and forms blisters.

Shingles Treatment

Shingles on the face can lead to red cheeks, with treatment varying based on the infection’s severity. Typically, antiviral medications are prescribed to reduce severity and duration.

Pain can be managed with over-the-counter remedies and topical creams. Keeping the area clean and avoiding scratching is crucial to prevent complications.

9. Menopause Hot Flashes

In menopause, reduced estrogen can disrupt body heat regulation, causing hot flashes and facial flushing. Climacterium, (menopause and the bodily and psychological changes that accompany it) can affect 50% to 85% of women, and is another common reason for flushing during natural menopause.²

Hot Flash Symptoms

Hot flashes are a temporary yet common symptom of menopause that can also make your face turn red. When hot flashes happen, you can experience one or all of the following symptoms:

• Feeling intense heat in your face
• Suddenly turning red and flushing
• Increased heart rate and sweating

Hot Flash Treatment

If you’re experiencing red cheeks in addition to menopause hot flashes, here are some important signs to watch out for and ways to treat them:

• Stay cool: Wear layers and use a fan to control your body temperature.
• Avoid triggers: Spicy foods, smoking, alcohol, hot drinks, and showers at extreme temperatures can make hot flashes worse.
• Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing exercises and meditation might help manage the symptoms.

10. Pregnancy Facial Redness

Pregnancy Facial Redness Symptoms

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey that is filled with many hormonal changes, and one of these changes may result in redness on the face.

This phenomenon can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations and increased blood flow.

Pregnancy Facial Redness Treatment

Experiencing red cheeks during pregnancy calls for gentle care:

• Stick to a gentle skincare routine with products suitable for sensitive skin
• Steer clear of harsh chemicals and limit sun exposure to prevent worsening redness
• Use cold compresses or soothing creams to reduce inflammation
• For safe topical treatments, consulting a dermatologist is advisable

Each pregnancy is unique, so it’s important to seek personalized advice from a healthcare professional.

Common Causes of Red Cheeks in Children

Many parents often notice “chapped cheeks” in children, with several common causes, including facial eczema or even rosacea.

If your child has persistent cheek redness, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

11. Slapped Cheek Syndrome (Fifth Disease or Parvovirus B19)

Now, let’s talk about Slapped Cheek Syndrome, or Fifth Disease, caused by Parvovirus B19. It’s contagious, usually spreading through coughs or sneezes. To reduce its spread to other people, wash hands frequently with soap, cover coughs or sneezes with tissues, and dispose of tissues immediately.

Slapped Cheek Syndrome Symptoms

This viral infection, mostly seen in children, features a bright red cheek rash resembling a slap mark. Symptoms can include:

• a body rash starting on the trunk and spreading to limbs
• low-grade fever
• runny nose
• sore throat
• headache

Slapped Cheek Syndrome Treatment

For Slapped-Cheek Syndrome, simple care is key:

• Ensure your child rests and stays hydrated
• Over-the-counter pain relievers like Acetaminophen can ease fever and discomfort
• Often, this condition resolves on its own over time, but consulting a healthcare professional ensures proper management of your child’s symptoms and care

12. Scarlet Fever

Scarlet Fever is a contagious illness caused by Group A Streptococcus Bacteria, and one of the main signs of Scarlet Fever is red cheeks, which can look flushed or rosy.

Scarlet Fever Symptoms

Scarlet fever symptoms include:

• a bright red sandpaper-like rash starting on the face and spreading over the body
• a high fever often above 101°F
• a sore throat
• swollen lymph nodes

Scarlet Fever Treatment

For Scarlet Fever, antibiotics like Penicillin or Amoxicillin are commonly prescribed. It’s crucial to complete the full course for effective infection treatment.

If your child shows symptoms, including red cheeks, consult a healthcare professional for a precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which aids in preventing complications and hastening recovery.

Environmental Causes of Red Cheeks

When it comes to red cheeks, consider how the environment can play a role in causing blood vessels to dilate.

Always be aware of these environmental causes and take steps to minimize their impact on your skin.

13. Facial Sunburn

Let’s address a common cause of a red face: sunburn. It results from excessive exposure to UV light, particularly UVB rays, which can damage your skin cells.

Sunburns can happen even on cloudy days, as UV rays are reflected by snow, sand, and water. Artificial sources like sunlamps, welding, and tanning beds can also emit harmful UV rays leading to sunburn.

Sunburn Symptoms

Sunburns can lead to redness, pain, and peeling and vary in severity.

For large blisters, severe swelling, or increasing pain, consult a doctor.

Excessive UV light can also damage the eyes, potentially causing cataracts and resulting in painful or gritty sensations, known as sunburn of the cornea or snow blindness.

Sunburn Treatment

To treat and ease sunburn symptoms effectively, consider these steps:

1. Apply soothing, moisturizing cream or aloe gel to aid healing.
2. Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen for pain and inflammation.
3. Protect your face from further sun exposure with a wide-brimmed hat and a safe chemical-free sunscreen.

Remember, taking care of your skin is vital for its health and to prevent long-term damage.

14. Exercise-Induced Facial Redness

As we push our bodies to their limits, our skin can respond with a flush of color, a visible sign of our hard work and determination. Although this is common and expected, let’s talk about symptoms.

Exercise Facial Redness Symptoms

Red cheeks during exercise can come with warmth and a flushed appearance. Some individuals may also sweat more and have a fast heartbeat.

Exercise Facial Redness Treatment:

To manage exercise-induced red cheeks, stay hydrated and take breaks when needed.

Staying cool with a damp towel around your neck or cold water can help reduce redness.

Additionally, rinsing in a cool shower and applying a soothing moisturizer after exercise can help calm the skin.

Dietary Causes Of Your Red Cheeks

Yes, certain foods and beverages can make your cheeks turn red. Certain compounds in them can trigger our nerves, which makes our blood vessels get bigger.

15. Alcohol Facial Redness

If alcohol doesn’t agree with you, you may experience red cheeks after drinking. This happens because our bodies produce acetaldehyde when processing alcohol, leading to facial redness.

This reaction is especially common in people of East Asian descent, often due to genetic variations in the ADH1B and ALDH2 genes, which are involved in breaking down acetaldehyde.³

Having a strong redness reaction to alcohol could also indicate rosacea, which often comes with many other symptoms.

Alcohol Facial Redness Symptoms

Symptoms of alcohol-induced red cheeks include:

• Redness that persists after drinking alcohol
• Warmth and flushing of the face
• Itchy or irritated skin

Alcohol Facial Redness Treatment

Treatment options for red cheeks caused by alcohol include:

• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Using antihistamines or allergy medications to counteract the flushing effects
• Consulting a doctor for further evaluation and potential prescription treatments

16. Allergic Reaction to Food

An allergic reaction to certain foods can cause your face to turn red.

Finding out which specific food is causing the reaction can be difficult, but seeing an allergist or a dermatologist who specializes in allergies can help diagnose and manage these reactions.

Food Allergy Symptoms

When our body reacts to certain foods, it can cause redness on the cheeks and itching or swelling.

Food Allergy Treatment

For food allergy treatment, remember these key points:

1. Identify and avoid the trigger food. Keeping a food diary and consulting a healthcare professional can help determine the cause of your redness. Always read food labels carefully and inform restaurant staff of your allergies.
2. Use antihistamines, available over-the-counter or by prescription, to manage mild symptoms.
3. For severe allergies, keep a doctor-prescribed epinephrine auto-injector on hand for emergencies.

17. Spicy Food Sensitivity

There are certain compounds in spicy foods stimulate our central nervous system, which causes our blood vessels to widen and makes our face flushed and red.

Spicy Food Sensitivity Symptoms

If you are sensitive to spicy foods, along with red cheeks, you might also experience sweating and a burning feeling in your mouth. These symptoms can range from minor to severe.

Spicy Food Sensitivity Treatment

While this reaction is generally harmless, it can feel uncomfortable and worrisome. To ease these symptoms, try drinking cold water or milk to cool down the heat in your mouth and reduce redness.

However, if your red cheeks persist or you have other concerning symptoms, see a doctor for further evaluation.

When to See a Medical Doctor or Healthcare Professional for Facial Redness

If you’re concerned about persistent red cheeks, it’s important to consult a doctor.

This redness might be due to common issues like rosacea or food allergies, but it could also indicate more serious conditions, like a virus or autoimmune disease.

A doctor can offer expert advice and help you find the appropriate treatment. Take that first step towards better skin health by seeking professional guidance!

The Role of Gut Health in Skin Disorders

Source: National Library of Medicine & Clinical Medicine and Research ⁴

In exploring the causes of skin disorders, it’s important to recognize the significant role of gut health.

Many skin conditions, including those resulting in facial redness, are deeply connected to the health of our gastrointestinal tract.⁵ It’s a two-way street: primary diseases of the gut can cause flushing, while certain external conditions may lead to both flushing and gut-related symptoms. If flushing is accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms like headache, syncope, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, an underlying systemic cause should be considered. Understanding this gut-skin connection highlights the importance of a holistic approach to health and skincare, a key focus in nurturing your skin’s well-being.

The Bottom Line:

Solve Your Red Cheek Mystery to Determine How Serious Your Condition Really Is

It’s clear that there are several causes of redness.

But by unraveling the possible reasons behind your rosy cheeks through a spectrum of likely causes and solutions, you gained the ability to distinguish between a minor concern and an urgent health issue.

How powerful is that?!

However, everyone’s skin is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the most effective treatment for your red cheeks.

Be patient and consistent in your approach, and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

And if you would like a hand navigating through natural gut-healing solutions, we’re here!

Your journey to a more balanced complexion starts with understanding the root causes and exploring natural treatments.

Transform Your Skin Naturally: Get Started with The Rosacea Method!

FAQs on Red Cheek Causes

Resources:

1. Dessinioti, Clio, and Christina Antoniou. “The ‘Red Face’: Not Always Rosacea.” Clinics in Dermatology, vol. 35, no. 2, 2017, pp. 201-206. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2016.10.015. ↩︎
2. The flushing patient: Differential diagnosis, workup, and treatment
   Izikson, Leonid et al. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 55, Issue 2, 193 – 208 ↩︎
3. Alexandra Hamada, Han Guel Jung, Karl Orozco & Greggor Mattson (2022) Anticipated Stigma and Self-Racialization: From Alcohol Flush Reaction to Panethnic Asian Glow, Deviant Behavior, 43:8, 976-990, DOI: 10.1080/01639625.2021.1947759 ↩︎
4. Rastogi V, Singh D, Mazza JJ, Parajuli D, Yale SH. Flushing Disorders Associated with Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Part 1, Neuroendocrine Tumors, Mast Cell Disorders and Hyperbasophila. Clin Med Res. 2018 Jun;16(1-2):16-28. doi: 10.3121/cmr.2017.1379a. Epub 2018 Apr 12. PMID: 29650525; PMCID: PMC6108509. ↩︎
5. Rastogi V, Singh D, Mazza JJ, Parajuli D, Yale SH. Flushing Disorders Associated with Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Part 1, Neuroendocrine Tumors, Mast Cell Disorders and Hyperbasophila. Clin Med Res. 2018 Jun;16(1-2):16-28. doi: 10.3121/cmr.2017.1379a. Epub 2018 Apr 12. PMID: 29650525; PMCID: PMC6108509. ↩︎

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Tara O’Desky nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.