For the last few years, I have had episodes of hot facial flushing. I always thought these were my hot flashes. People would ask me if I was sunburned and I would just say "no, I am having my own private summer!" The facial flushing used to be intermittent, now it is all the time but increases intermittently. I was just diagnosed with ocular rosacea (a major source of my dry eyes), and now that I have done some research, I have discovered that the red flushing in my face is probably rosacea and not just a peri hot flash. Rosacea is often associated with peri and onset in women is usually in their 40s and 50s. While there is no cure for Rosacea, it can be brought under control with Tetracycline and other meds. So if you get a red face and think it is just a peri hot flash, you might want to think twice and see a dermatologist to be sure.

I have rosacea. It can even come in a small bump on my cheek, forehead, or chin. I use a cream called Metrogel. It seems to help. I think drinking more water helps, too. Drinking a hot liquid, exercise, or a glass of wine can sometimes make it worse and I do get that warmth in my face that isn't a hot flash. I am 56 and started with it a few years ago.

I got the Metrogel from my dermatologist.

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