Blushing is a common phenomenon that can occur when someone feels embarrassed, guilty, angry or ashamed. Blushing is characterized by redness in the cheeks, neck and chest. For some people, foods can cause blushing. A medical condition known as idiopathic craniofacial erythema can also cause spontaneous, uncontrollable blushing. Whatever the cause, a variety of approaches can reduce, control and even eliminate flushing.
Cognitive Therapy
Blushing can be treated with psychological approaches, according to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in Great Britain. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a talk-based approach that works by identifying the thoughts that activate flushing. The patient then learns how to process his feelings and change his reaction to a situation.
Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques can calm the nerves of people whose blushing is triggered by social anxiety and phobia. A study led by Dr. Diana Koszychi, professor of psychiatry at the University of Ottawa, and published in 2007 in the journal Behavior Research and Therapy indicated that mindfulness-based stress reduction such as yoga and meditation could calm nerves and ease social anxiety. After eight weeks of MBSR therapy patients scored significantly lower on tests that measure social anxiety. Mood, functionality and quality of life were also improved.
Surgery
In 2002, the British Journal of Dermatology published a study by researchers at Borås Hospital in Sweden indicating that an invasive surgical procedure that blocks nerve receptors near the top of the spine can eliminate flushing. Ninety-eight percent of patients who underwent the procedure were successfully treated. Only 2 percent of those who had a successful operation regretted their decision. Instead of facial perspiration, some patients experienced more sweating elsewhere on their bodies.
