Facial blushing affects men and women, and most people experience it at some point as a physical reaction to an extreme emotional stimulus. Redness occurs when the small, superficial blood vessels dilate, causing a sudden rush of blood just below the surface of the skin, explains the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, or NIHCE. The flushing isn't always limited to the face; it can reach the neck and ears, and down to the upper chest in some people. Facial blushing may be accompanied by a hot sensation in the affected areas.
Step 1
Teach yourself relaxation techniques if you experience blushing in response to emotions such as embarrassment, anxiety or shyness. Practice them daily so you can employ them effectively when needed. National Jewish Health says to straighten your back and assume a comfortable position standing, sitting or lying down. Inhale deeply for five seconds, concentrating on your diaphragm inflating. Exhale and feel your muscles relaxing. Repeat as needed, picturing a calming scenario. Progressive muscle relaxation may also help. This involves tensing muscle groups for five seconds, then relaxing them for about half a minute, explains MayoClinic.com. Work from your toes up to your neck.
Step 2
Seek psychological counseling for assistance managing blushing in response to emotional stimuli. The New Zealand Dermatological Society recommends cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of psychotherapy that promotes awareness of and control over your thought-pattern habits. You can also receive instruction in relaxation techniques, and a psychiatrist may offer an anti-anxiety prescription.
Step 3
Get a check-up from your doctor if your facial blushing doesn't seem to be directly related to emotional stimuli. It may be a symptom of an underlying condition. In these instances, blushing can only be reduced by treatment of the underlying condition.
Blushing can be caused by skin conditions such as rosacea. It is often seen in people with the sweating disorder hyperhidrosis as well, and as a symptom of menopause. Carcinoid syndrome, a byproduct of certain cancers; and mastocytosis, a disorder causing an excess of mast cells, both cause blushing in some cases too, according to NIHCE.
Step 4
Stop any medication you take that causes blushing as a side effect. Of course, this requires clearance from your doctor and a replacement treatment. A variety of hypertension, cancer, osteoporosis and other medications can cause blushing as a side effect, notes NIHCE.
Step 5
Undergo an endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy if your physician advises it. A staple of hyperhidrosis treatment for severe cases that don't respond to other treatments, this procedure also works to remedy blushing, according to New York Presbyterian Hospital. This surgery permanently disrupts the sympathetic nerve chain.
