Flushing of the face — reddened, warm skin — can sometimes occur as one of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), as a side effect of MS treatment, or for other reasons. Flushing can feel warm and uncomfortable. Many MyMSTeam members empathize with this “annoying” symptom of multiple sclerosis.
Although a flushed face can be embarrassing and frustrating to deal with, there are ways you can help manage it, through a discussion with your doctor or with approaches you can take at home. This article discusses possible causes of face flushing with MS, as well as how to manage the flushing.
What Does a Flushed Face With MS Feel Like?
Dealing with a flushed face can be difficult, especially combined with other MS symptoms. As one MyMSTeam member shared, “I have a flushed face daily. When my face is flushed, my face and scalp sweat. It’s embarrassing when I am in public.”
Many members report feeling generally overheated or feverish when their face becomes flushed. “I got up this morning with a fever and a flushed face,” wrote one. Some find that certain conditions exacerbate this symptom — as one member described, they sat in “a strong breeze and sunshine all day — face is stinging and flushed!” Another shared that they “get so hot I have to go into the bedroom [and] lie down with the overhead fan on and my stand fan on.”
What Causes Flushed Face in MS?
Facial flushing is a paroxysmal symptom of MS. Paroxysmal symptoms refer to symptoms that appear suddenly and disappear after a short period, usually just seconds or minutes. Paroxysmal symptoms — which also include spasticity, vision problems, and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) — are caused by issues with the central nervous system in which nerve fibers send out the wrong signals at the wrong times.
The exact relationship between flushing and multiple sclerosis, in particular, is still somewhat of a mystery. It is unknown whether flushing is a direct symptom of MS, but there is evidence that it is driven by treatments for the disease. Research has indicated that flushing often occurs due to medications for multiple sclerosis.
There are many other reasons why people with MS experience a flushed face. Some foods can cause the face to flush, as can menopause and certain skin conditions like rosacea.
Speaking to your neurologist or a dermatologist about your specific case of flushed face is recommended, as they can diagnose the underlying cause and help manage this symptom.
MS Treatments and Flushed Face
Many MyMSTeam members have shared that their MS treatments are responsible for facial flushing. Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), in particular, is a common culprit. Prescribing information lists facial flushing as a common side effect, and up to 40 percent of people who take the medication experience flushing. As one member wrote: “I am taking Tecfidera for my MS. I get a reaction to it: burning, itchy, flushed skin on my face, neck, and chest. I only get the reactions with my morning dose and every second day.” Another member shared that they have the exact same symptoms with Tecfidera: “Itching, rash, and burning. It is sporadic, and I never know when it will hit. It seems to be worse if I’m already hot when it occurs.”
Another member shared that Tysabri (natalizumab) causes them to become flushed and warm: “My flushed face usually occurs during the afternoon or evening. I’m on Tysabri infusion every four weeks. The flushing is usually accompanied by skin itching and hot flashes.” Flushing may be a sign of an infusion reaction to Tysabri, so be sure to mention any facial redness and warmth to your doctor.
Stress and Flushed Face
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