What is facial flushing?

Facial flushing is a very significant problem for those who suffer from it. It is caused by a dilatation of the vasculature in the affected area. This results in a diffuse redness in that area which can be associated with a burning stinging sensation. This is generally a benign condition but it can be aggravated by certain medications and triggers. While doctors are usually unconcerned by this symptom it can be a cause of concern for the patient. It was only when Dr. Murphy began to suffer from the condition himself about 4 years ago that he realised how significant it can be.

What is the treatment of flushing?

The treatment of flushing is not well-described in the medical literature. When Dr. Joe Murphy first developed the condition he searched for a treatment that would resolve the problem. He tried the standard treatments that included medication, topicals and standard lasers. It was only when he met Dr. Toni Campo who told him about his treatment for facial flushing that he found an effective treatment of flushing. This treatment involves a combination of lasers. It’s very important that this combination of lasers is done in an exact way as Dr. Campo describes. This treatment is very effective. Occasional maintenance treatments may be required, but this is a small price to pay for us flushing sufferers.

Can other areas besides the face be affected by flushing i.e. non-facial flushing?

Yes other areas can be affected by flushing including the neck, décolletage/decollete and even the ears and feet. While the treatment of these areas is as yet unstudied, it would be worth a trial of Dr. Campo’s treatment in these areas and that would include erythromelalgia of the ears and erythromelalgia of other areas.