rødme

Rødme is the reddening of the skin caused by increased blood flow through superficial blood vessels, most commonly affecting the face. It can occur as a normal physiological response to heat, exertion, or emotional stimuli, or as a symptom of an underlying condition or medication effect.

Common triggers include emotional experiences such as embarrassment or anger, physical warmth, spicy foods, alcohol, and intense exercise. Medical causes can include rosacea, fever, carcinoid syndrome, thyroid disorders, and adverse drug reactions or vasodilator medications. In some individuals, rødme may become a persistent facial redness rather than a transient blush.

The underlying mechanism typically involves dilation of dermal blood vessels, driven by autonomic signaling and, in some cases, substances such as nitric oxide. In conditions like rosacea, facial redness can be chronic and accompanied by visible small vessels (telangiectasia) and other symptoms such as burning or swelling.

Diagnosis is usually clinical, focusing on the pattern and accompanying signs. Distinguishing transient flushing from pathological redness (for example, rosacea) is important, as treatment differs. Evaluation for underlying conditions or medication effects may be indicated if redness is persistent or unusual.

Management depends on the cause. For transient rødme, reassurance and triggering avoidance may suffice. For rosacea-related redness, topical treatments such as brimonidine or oxymetazoline, laser or light therapies, and, in some cases, systemic treatments, may reduce redness. Addressing any contributing medical conditions or medications is also important.

See also: blushing, flushing, rosacea, vasodilation.