Auriculotemporal syndrome (Frey’s syndrome, gustatory flushing syndrome) results in facial flushing and sweating after eating. It is commonly mistaken for food allergy. It is a benign harmless condition mainly affecting young infants and children.
Flushing at the temporal area is the most common symptom.
A transient flushing, with or without sweating, of the face is seen within minutes of eating intensely flavored food (e.g. spicy food, flavored snacks, tangy or sour foods). It usually occurs on one side, although both sides of the face are occasionally involved. Flushing is normally seen in a line between the edge of the mouth and ears, disappearing within 1-2 minutes.
Auriculotemporal syndrome is not food allergy.
There is no itch, facial swelling or hives or difficulty breathing associated with these flushing episodes. These do not have a pattern associated with specific food intake. The only common point is that it occurs with intensely flavored foods.
Typically affects babies.
Typically affecting babies, infants or young children. Can be seen in adults with head injury but not all.
It’s the “misbehaved” nerves that do this!
The auriculotemporal nerve supplies, salivary, sweat glands as well as bloods vessels in the face. It is believed that the intensely flavored foods cause these nerve impulses to “misbehave” to stimulate skin blood vessels and sweat glands. The result is facial redness and sweating.
No treatment required although confirm diagnosis with a medical provider.
This is a harmless condition that usually disappears with time in children and requires no treatment. Here at the allergy clinic, we can skin prick test to foods, a very easy process, to determine that its not true food allergy just for the safety of your child.
Please feel free to contact our office at any time with questions or concerns! (208) 377-4000