What Causes Facial Flushing After Alcohol Consumption?

Posted on Thu, 21 Dec 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 21 Dec 2017 Answered on

Wed, 23 May 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : I drank a little small shot glass of coquito a Spanish Christmas drink and a few minutes later my face and ears became red and hot

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Facial vasodilatation

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ma'am, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns but this drink induce facial blood vessels vasodilationand facial flushing by two mechanisms .. first it is a high calorie, high carb drink, so it takes a lot of energy to burn and spike blood sugar levels, resulting in dilated blood vessels and a red face.
Also it might contain alcohol, where the histamine and tyramines in alcohol may also cause facial blood vessels vasodilatation causing red and hot face.. However , this should not worry you and shall go away within couple of hours.. I hope you find this helpful. if you don't have any other clarifications then please close the discussion..

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar