Flushed

Flushed is the past participle of flush and an adjective describing a reddening of the skin or mucous membranes caused by increased blood flow. It is used in medical, everyday, and descriptive contexts to indicate warmth or embarrassment without implying a disease on its own.

Physiology and causes: Flushing typically results from dilation of the small cutaneous blood vessels, which increases surface blood flow and makes the skin appear red and warm. Common triggers include heat, spicy foods, alcohol, strong emotions, fever, and certain medications such as vasodilators or niacin. In some conditions, such as rosacea or menopause-related vasomotor symptoms, flushing can be more persistent or pronounced. Flushing can be accompanied by warmth, tingling, or lightheadedness depending on the individual and situation.

Other uses of flush and flushed: To flush means to cleanse or clear with a rapid flow of water, as in flushing a toilet or flushing a wound with saline. In broader terms, to flush out means to drive out or reveal something hidden. In horticulture, a flush of growth refers to a rapid production of new leaves and shoots.

Usage notes: Flushed should not be used alone to diagnose a medical condition; persistent facial redness warrants clinical evaluation, as it may signal underlying disorders. In everyday language, flushed can also describe positive emotions or pride, as in “flushed with pride.”