Facial blushing occurs when an individual feels that they are being judged by another, even if it is only imagined, according to researcher Ruy Miranda. This feeling of criticism can be experienced with complete strangers or even close family members. When these feelings arise, a sudden and intense flow of blood rushes to your head, causing the red face. There are ways to take control of the problem.
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Step 1
Facial blushing may be a sign of shyness or of social phobia, according to Miranda. It can occur in those who are moderately shy, as well in people with a severe social phobia. A trained psychotherapist can determine the proper course of action. As part of the treatment, the therapist might recommend regular visits.
Step 2
Treatment for facial blushing can include prescription medication. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, might be prescribed for an individual who experiences the problem only when speaking in public. In such cases, the patient takes the medicine a few hours beforehand. For those who have frequent problems with facial blushing and in a variety of situations, a daily course of medication may be prescribed.
Step 3
Hypnotherapy can be used to prevent facial blushing by helping to reprogram the way you think, feel and respond in certain social situations. A hypnotherapist might work on correcting the psychological factor that is creating the physiological response. Fear of blushing attacks are addressed, and social triggers of blushing are identified.
Step 4
In cases where nothing else works and the condition has taken over the individual's ability to function in daily life, surgery might be recommended. In these severe cases, the redness is accompanied by excessive and uncontrollable sweating in the area. Surgery for facial blushing focuses on cutting off the increased blood flow to nerve fibers in the area.
