Flushing with Small Fiber Neuropathy
 

I have frequent episodes of flushing. At first it was mostly on my neck, shoulders and chest with it less frequently on my face and head. Now, however, I am flushing almost everywhere on my body. Is this symptomatic of small fiber neuropathy? My neurologist's nurse fielded my question and said you would pass it on to the doctor, but he has not returned my phone call in a week.

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors will do this.
Synthetic opiates also.

MSG in foods. Histamine releasing foods.

Niacin products.
ACE inhibitors for blood pressure .
And perhaps gabapentin/ Lyrica.

Serotonin is a biogenic amine also made
by some tumors in the body, and also
In an uncommon disease called Carcinoid
Syndrome.

Some foods contain serotonin -- pineapple and
bananas.

Here's another list of possible causes of flushing:

Flushing (physiology): Causes of flushing

Doc

Steroids are notorious for causing this pattern of flushing as well.

I was on my phone last night, so linking is very difficult for me.

If this is a "new" event, then you need to be a detective to see what is new for you.

Things like mastocytosis would be present since childhood, so this extreme form of histamine release would not be new to you.

But carcinoid and tumors would come on slowly. Carcinoid tumors in the GI tract would dump the serotonin in the liver for a long time until they metastasize outside the liver, and then the symptoms of flushing, wheezing, etc begin. Hidden lung tumors typically show up with flushing and sometimes behavior changes as the serotonin builds up in the body.

The major cause, would be the various drugs. Next comes foods.
In children often the first sign of food intolerance is bright red ears and/or face.

In adults the single most common flushing cause is alcohol use.
This can change with time and severity to become a purplish hue of the head neck and face which some advanced alcoholics display.

I think the only thing new to me is that I have been taking Gabapentin, but I think the flushing started occuring before that. Soon afterwards is when my body-wide burning sensation started.

Autonomic neuropathy sure does that. Lots of causes.

Is it something that is periodic or 24/7?

Do you notice any other symptoms that coincide with it...like hot, skin clammy or any lightheaded?

Right now my symtoms are constant diffuse prickly sensations, burning all over and cold hands and feet. My feet turn blue when seated stationary for a while and my eyes feel somewhat dry. I am not sure if it is Raynaud's or not. I think I generally feel sick too.

Is the flushing constant or periodic?

Have you been checked for autoimmune disease? You are right, your feet sound like Raynaud's. Has your doctor seen your feet turn blue? If not, you should take a picture of it to show him. Same for the flushing. I would also ask for an autoimmune work-up.

Flushing and feet/hands turning blue can happen with Raynaud's. There may be an underlying condition. Here is an informative site:

http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients...henomenon.aspx

I'll repeat a suggestion, that I make now and then... and that is keeping a journal to see if you can isolate a trigger.

Cold feet and hands can come from too much caffeine intake. After the hands/feet start to warm up they tingle and may flush and change color. Excessive smoking (nicotine) will do this too.

Some foods like the nightshades which includes all the pepper family can affect the nerves as well.

Check your shoes to make sure your toe box is roomy and also don't tie your shoes too tightly --this compresses the instep and the nerves and blood vessels can be damaged.
This website has lacing alternatives on it that can really help.
http://www.northcoastfootcare.com/

I bought the spiral laces (made for kids) ultimately and use those on my athletic shoes...made the world of difference for my feet and eliminated numbness spells.

You might investigate an infectious disease specialist for some viral testing and Lyme testing. I had blood titres (levels) run when I had shingles and that was very useful for me. If I were you I'd do the lysine treatment now... you might be surprised at how useful that can be. At least 2 grams a day. That feeling "sick all over" suggests a viral thing going on. I use Lysine in spurts when my shingles arm acts up or I get "flu-like" symptoms. It seems to work within 24 hrs for me.