Facial blushing may be an uncontrolled reaction from your body, but it can cause extreme embarrassment and make the blushing even worse. It is a vicious cycle when blushing is triggered by social situations. You may feel a sudden rush of heat rising up your body and ending in your face, and you know your face is turning red for all to see. You do not have to hide, however. Help is as close as your own attitude and feelings.
Theories
It is generally understood that blushing is the result of dilated blood vessels in your face and neck, sometimes extending to the ears and chest. Theories on what causes facial blushing abound. Many people blush excessively in social situations; some people blush with no apparent triggers. Blushing is sometimes triggered by a reaction to hot or spicy foods, food additives in processed items, or drugs (either over-the-counter or prescription drugs). Understanding what triggers your blushing will help guide you in finding appropriate solutions.
Solutions
Learning to regulate your emotions may help you with facial blushing. When you start to feel embarrassed or stressed, take a deep breath and calm down. Don't let the feeling of a blush make you more embarrassed--remember it will pass as soon as you relax.
Just Be Well suggests some people have cured their facial blushing through hypnosis or hypnotherapy. The hypnotherapist helps reprogram the brain while the patient is in a deeply relaxed state. If you have not tried hypnosis before, there is no reason to be uncomfortable or anxious.
Alcohol acts as a vasodilator, so drinking can also contribute to blushing. If your blushing is a reaction to foods or to alcohol, avoid these triggers.
Considerations
Rosacea sufferers are especially prone to excessive vasodilation in the blood vessels of the face; according to DermNet, you can expect to experience more blushing if you have been diagnosed with this condition. This may require you to seek out the help of a dermatologist to find a prescription cream or drug that will help alleviate some of the redness you experience.
Benefits
Other than the benefit of reduced social anxiety, reducing or eliminating facial flushing can even reduce your risk of cancer. One study, published in the March 24, 2009 issue of PLoS Medicine, found that those of East Asian decent could experience a higher rate of esophageal cancer if they are prone to blushing when consuming alcohol. Researchers believe that reducing alcohol intake in these subjects can effectively reduce these risks.
Other Options
If you do not find relief from facial blushing through self remedy, you may want to talk to your doctor. If the blushing is caused by a physical trigger such as a drug you're consuming, your doctor will guide you in changing your prescriptions or offer another prescription which specifically treats blushing.
If your facial blushing is triggered by social situations, talk to a psychiatrist who can prescribe such drugs as beta blockers or SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). These drugs may help solve many of your problems when used properly with the advice of a psychiatrist.
