How to Cool Face Down During Menopause

Nearly every woman over the age of 50 years knows what it feels like to have her head shoved in an oven--when there are no appliances in sight. Hot flashes are the sudden feelings of warmth that usually spread from the head downward to the chest, causing a red face both from heat and embarrassment. There are simple ways to quickly close that oven door and cool down the flash and your face.

Things You'll Need

• cold compress
• baby wipes
• dry cloth

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Instructions

Cooling Off From a Hot Flash

• 1

  The first step is in recognizing what is happening. Hot flashes are named because they come on suddenly, increase rapidly, and then dissipate. Many doctors believe they are caused because the body thinks it is too hot, and dilates the blood vessels in the head and neck to release body heat quickly. Cooling the face and neck will help constrict the blood vessels and stop the flash. Intervention at the first sign of heat can often lessen the intensity of the flash.

• 2

  At the first sign of heat take a cloth and dampen it with cold water. Place the compress on the back of your neck, holding it against the skin and over the carotid artery on the right side of your neck (where you can feel your pulse).

• 3

  Once the compress becomes warm, immediately replace it with another cool compress. Hot flashes last an average of four minutes, although they can last as long as 15 minutes. Keep replacing the compresses until the flash has stopped.

• 4

  Wiping the face with a cool compress or baby wipe also helps soothe the flash as the water or alcohol evaporates off the face, cooling it.