Blushing, or redness in the face and upper chest, is a physical reaction to a psychological state such as embarrassment. Specific areas of the body are called the blush region and include the ears, face, neck and upper body. Some people blush more than others, and certain social situations, like public speaking, might be more likely to cause blushing. There are two classified types of blushing: "classic," which comes on suddenly and displays as an even reddening of the face, and "creeping," which takes longer to occur and displays as blotchiness.
Heart Rate
The heart rate is the number of beats the heart makes in any unit of time, usually expressed in beats per minute. Heart rate might be measured by taking the pulse at a pulse point -- side of neck, radial artery or the inside of the elbow, for example -- or with a heart rate monitor or electrocardiograph. Heart rate is connected to the blushing phenomenon in that extreme emotional states cause a fight-or-flight reaction that includes elevated heart rate.
Physiological Response
Not only are the blood vessels in the cheek and face area closer to the surface, but there also are more blood vessels in the facial area than anywhere else in the body. During times of emotional stress, the body releases adrenaline and other chemicals that cause these facial blood vessels to dilate, allowing more blood to flow through them. This increased blood flow through the blood vessels causes the reddening of the skin.
Psychological Causes
The most notable psychological cause of blushing is embarrassment or modesty. Public speaking and public humiliation are two common causes of embarrassment that causes blushing. Attention from a loved one also might cause blushing -- like when a boy walks into a room and smiles at the girl who has a crush on him. Unwanted social attention in shy people also might be a cause.
Chronic Blushing
Chronic blushing, also known as idiopathic craniofacial erythema, is prolonged blushing caused by an overactive sympathetic nervous system. This chronic condition causes embarrassment in social situations and might be treated with behavioral therapy or surgery. Surgical treatment is used only in extreme cases or when other treatments have been unsuccessful. The surgery, called endoscopic transthoracic sympathicotomy, involves the cutting or clamping of the sympathetic nerve ganglia associated with blushing and excessive sweating.
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