Blushing may look cute on cartoon characters, but most people would prefer to avoid that red-in-the-face look that often comes with anger and embarrassment. If strong emotions are causing you to blush, you’ll need to reevaluate the way you handle anger and stress. However, blushing can be brought on by medicines and medical conditions, too, which require different remedies. Know your triggers to find the best remedy.
Emotional Triggers
It’s perfectly normal to blush if you’re feeling embarrassed, self-conscious or angry, according to Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Unfortunately, once you realize you’re blushing, you may get even more embarrassed or angry about turning red and make the blushing worse. To stop the cycle in its tracks, you need to find a way to relax again. Roger Elliot, who is author of the Confidence Course, says sometimes it’s best to just admit you’re blushing and quit trying to hide it. Let people laugh or sympathize with you. Elliott also says that you also can help drain redness from your face by dropping your shoulders and consciously trying to relax your body.
Consumable Triggers
Sometimes you need to adjust what you’re putting in your body to stop the blushing on the outside. According to Medline Plus, hot or spicy foods can sometimes make you blush. Alcohol can have the same effect. There are even some medicines that may make you more prone to blushing, such as some diabetes and high cholesterol drugs. Try cutting back on hot drinks or the level of spice in your foods. If you suspect your medicine is a trigger, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
External Triggers
Rapid changes in temperature can trigger blushing, too, according to Medline Plus. If that’s the case for you, try to avoid temperature extremes and bright sunlight. Wear hats, dress in light layers or carry a fan or misting bottle.
Medical Triggers
Blushing is also a symptom of several medical conditions which may require a trip to the doctor for a remedy or treatment plan. Most women of a certain age become familiar with the blushing that can accompany the hot flashes of menopause. The Cleveland Clinic suggests treating hot flashes by avoiding some of the other blushing triggers, such as stress, alcohol, spicy foods, heat and tight clothes. It also recommends relaxation exercises.
Blushing that becomes progressively worse can be a symptom of a common disease known as rosacea. People with rosacea may develop red patches on the face that look like a permanent blush. It’s easiest to treat if caught early, recommends the American Academy of Dermatology.
Medline Plus reports bright red flushing of the face can also be a symptom of carcinoid syndrome. It’s a group of symptoms that are associated with carcinoid tumors in the small intestine, colon, appendix and bronchial tubes.
