What is skin flooding?

Skin flooding, also known as skin blanching or skin paling, is a phenomenon that occurs when blood is momentarily forced out of the small blood vessels in the skin due to pressure or contact. This temporary interruption in blood flow causes the skin to appear pale or white in color.

Skin flooding can occur in various situations, such as when pressure is applied to the skin for an extended period of time, or when there is a sudden increase in blood pressure. It is often observed in medical procedures, where a healthcare provider may press on the skin to assess the refill time of the blood vessels.

Skin flooding is usually a harmless and temporary condition, and the skin will return to its normal color once the pressure is released and blood flow is restored. However, if skin flooding occurs frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms, it may be indicative of an underlying health condition and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.