When your cheeks heat up, the blood vessels there widen, allowing more blood to flow into your cheeks. The fairer your skin is, the more this bright red blood shows through your skin, making you blush. Some people seem more prone to blushing than others.
Medical
Several medical conditions include blushing cheeks as a side effect, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Red cheeks are a primary symptom of rosacea--an inflammatory skin condition that may include swelling and acne-like breakouts. People who have carcinoid syndrome--a general name for symptoms of tumors in the intestines, appendix, colon and bronchial tubes--may experience blushing as a side effect. In addition, some medications people take for diabetes and high cholesterol can make them blush.
Emotional
If you're angry, excited, embarrassed or gripped by another strong emotion, the increased blood flow these feelings create can make your cheeks turn red, according to MedLine Plus. Blushing caused by these emotions usually fades as you calm down. People with anxiety disorders may also be prone to blushing, as well as increased heartbeat, sweating and feelings of shakiness, according to the University of Michigan Health System's Healthwise Knowledgebase.
Miscellaneous
Several other factors can make your cheeks temporarily flushed, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You may blush if you eat spicy foods, drink alcohol or go back and forth between extreme temperatures--like walking from a heated home into the cold outdoors and then back into the heat. Blushing caused by these factors is typically short-lived, and your cheeks should resume their normal color quickly.
