Facial blushing, also known as erythrophobia, is a condition that results in an excessive and sudden reddening of the face, which can also travel down to the neck and chest, and up to the forehead and ears. It is usually a genetic condition that may occur in conjunction with excessive sweating syndrome. Left untreated, facial blushing can result in social anxiety and low self-esteem.
Medication
Beta blockers, a type of medication often used to treat heart problems, can also be helpful in relieving facial blushing related to anxiety. For some people facial blushing is situational and often occurs when they're doing something that has the potential to be embarrassing, like public speaking. Beta blockers like propranolol and atenolol target the physical symptoms of anxiety, including trembling, fast heartbeat and blushing. When taken a few hours prior to a potentially nerve-wracking event, these medications prevent blushing temporarily. However, beta blockers may not be effective for people with severe anxiety or severe facial blushing. Beta blockers are not recommended for people who have diabetes, asthma or any other respiratory diseases.
Surgery
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, ETS for short, is a type of surgery used to treat severe facial blushing. It involves cutting the sympathetic nerves that causes the severe blushing. These nerves are located near the thoracic rib, and severing them calms an overactive sympathetic nervous system, reducing the symptoms of blushing. ETS is usually a last resort when therapy and medications have failed. Complications from the surgery are rare, but may include heat intolerance, collapsed lung, hair loss, excessive bleeding, recurring symptoms and even death.
Therapy
If facial blushing is associated with social phobia or social anxiety, therapy may be an effective treatment option. Talk and behavioral therapy will teach the sufferer how to deal with, and overcome, triggers that cause embarrassment or fear and lead to blushing. In therapy, sufferers learn relaxation techniques and methods of changing negative thinking patterns associated with anxiety. Once the social anxiety is conquered, facial blushing is also effectively reduced and eradicated. Therapy is not a quick fix, however, and it may take several treatments before the sufferer learns how to adequately cope with the effects of anxiety.
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