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The terms blushing and flushing mean the same thing, although flushing tends to be used for more severe cases (known as idiopathic cranio-facial erythema). Wet blushing (flushing associated with increased perspiration) is thought to be caused by an overactive sympathetic. This system helps to regulate glands and organs without our conscious effort, and controls the diameter of blood vessels to the face.

In some people, these nerves are unusually sensitive to emotional stress. Dry flushing – blushing that is caused by increased vasodilator chemicals in the bloodstream – does not cause increased perspiration. Given the right stimulus (such as embarrassment), the nerves prompt the blood vessels to open wide, flooding the skin with blood and causing reddening of the face.

In some people, the ears, neck and chest also blush. , an anxiety disorder in which the person experiences extreme and persistent anxiety in social and performance situations, and fears being judged, criticised, ridiculed or humiliated. The symptoms of severe facial blushing can include:

  • Just about any situation at all can bring on intense blushing (for example
  • the trigger can be as simple as casual conversation with friends)
  • it may take one or two minutes for the blush to disappear

Severe blushing can make it difficult for the person to feel comfortable in either social or professional situations. People who have Hyperhidrosis means excessive sweating. A person with blushing may also experience hyperhidrosis.

Medications to help treat facial blushing can include:

  • such as blushing
  • heart palpitations. Clonidine is a medication that is sometimes used to treat uncontrollable facial blushing

It works by changing the body’s response to naturally occurring chemicals, such as noradrenaline, that control the dilation and constriction of blood vessels. into the skin of the face will temporarily paralyse the nerves in the skin that cause blushing.

The effects may last up to six months

Laser treatment may help facial flushing

In particular, vascular lasers can remove the small surface that contribute to the red appearance.

Possible complications of laser treatment include: that subside over 2 to 5 days

Increased pigmentation that appears after 2 to 4 weeks and gradually fades.

When performed by qualified operators, laser treatment generally produces only minor discomfort and purpura, blisters and scarring is rare. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is an operation to cure severe facial blushing.

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia

It’s a treatment of last resort when all other options have been exhausted. The cure rate for facial blushing is around 90%. Possible complications of this operation include: Chronically dry hands. Involuntary blushing is common to people who have a social phobia.

In most cases, these disorders respond well to treatment, which may include , breathing techniques and confronting fears (with the guidance of a professional). About blushing and flushing Facial blushing is an involuntary reddening of the face due to embarrassment or stress nervous system Severe facial blushing is common in people who have social phobia Symptoms of severe blushing Intense blushing, often for no apparent reason Sensation of heat in the face Perspiration Situations where severe blushing can occur social phobia are particularly prone to blushing Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) Diagnosis of the cause of blushing The menopause (’hot flushes’) or certain skin disorders (for example, rosacea ) can cause severe facial blushing.

It’s important to see your doctor Medications for blushing Beta-blockers are drugs that can help manage some of the symptoms of anxiety Botox injections Laser treatment for blushing blood vessels Redness, swelling, that subsides within an hour or 2 Bruising or purpura that subsides over 1 to 3 days Blisters Surgery for severe blushing Risks of surgery – including allergic reaction to the anaesthetic , haemorrhage and infection Droop to the eyelid caused by nerve damage (Horner’s syndrome) Compensatory sweating, which means other areas of the body such as the legs and chest sweat heavily instead Other treatment options cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Surgeon.

Key Points

  • Wet blushing (flushing associated with increased perspiration) is thought to be caused by an overactive sympathetic
  • to make sure that your blushing isn’t caused by an undiagnosed medical problem
  • into the skin of the face will temporarily paralyse the nerves in the skin that cause blushing
  • Laser treatment may help facial flushing
  • Possible complications of laser treatment include: that subside over 2 to 5 days