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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Face To Turn Red And Warm On Eating Something Very Warm?

Hello. When I eat something with a lot of sugar, such as a brownie, or a slice of pie, or sometimes even just a piece of fruit, my face immediately turns red and gets warm. I can actually feel my face turning red as I am eating it. Should I be concerned? Thank you.
Thu, 30 Jul 2015
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hi, welcome to HCM. Thanks for asking your query at this forum.
We understand your concern. I have read your question carefully and understood it. I will try my best to answer it.

The condition you are experiencing appears to be a known clinical condition called Frey syndrome. In this condition there is some aberration in autonomic supply in face, that leads to abnormal flushing and heating sensation.

Let me explain the patho-physiology in simple language.
Our face is innervated with sympathetic nerves. Stimulation of sympathetic nerve causes sweating and dilation of blood vessels leading to increased blood supply to the area, resulting in flushing of face and feeling of warmth. Generally sympathetic activation occurs in situation of excitement, anxiety and anger. That is why we sweat more and have flushed face at the time of excitement/anger.

Sometimes due to aberration, nerve fibers of salivary glands get connected to sympathetic nerve of face. So at the time of eating, nerves which are intended to stimulate salivary gland, now stimulate sympathetic nerves. Thus as soon as person eats, cheeks turn red and person experience warmth at face. Apparently this is happening with you. But you need proper physical examination and certain investigations for confirmation of diagnosis.

You need not worry much as this is a benign and self limiting condition.

I hope it answers your query. I wish you all the best.
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What Causes Face To Turn Red And Warm On Eating Something Very Warm?

Hi, welcome to HCM. Thanks for asking your query at this forum. We understand your concern. I have read your question carefully and understood it. I will try my best to answer it. The condition you are experiencing appears to be a known clinical condition called Frey syndrome. In this condition there is some aberration in autonomic supply in face, that leads to abnormal flushing and heating sensation. Let me explain the patho-physiology in simple language. Our face is innervated with sympathetic nerves. Stimulation of sympathetic nerve causes sweating and dilation of blood vessels leading to increased blood supply to the area, resulting in flushing of face and feeling of warmth. Generally sympathetic activation occurs in situation of excitement, anxiety and anger. That is why we sweat more and have flushed face at the time of excitement/anger. Sometimes due to aberration, nerve fibers of salivary glands get connected to sympathetic nerve of face. So at the time of eating, nerves which are intended to stimulate salivary gland, now stimulate sympathetic nerves. Thus as soon as person eats, cheeks turn red and person experience warmth at face. Apparently this is happening with you. But you need proper physical examination and certain investigations for confirmation of diagnosis. You need not worry much as this is a benign and self limiting condition. I hope it answers your query. I wish you all the best.