Underlying conditions
Treatment for blushing will depend on the cause. If blushing is related to another underlying condition, this condition will need to be treated.
For example, if your blushing is linked to a social phobia (a fear of being embarrassed in social situations), psychological therapy (see below) and medication, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be recommended to lower your anxiety.
See the Health A-Z topic about Phobias - treatment for more information.
If blushing is being caused by rosacea (a chronic skin condition that causes facial flushing), avoiding common triggers, such as stress, prolonged exposure to sunlight and spicy foods may be recommended. Using camouflage make-up and having laser treatment to shrink visible blood vessels are other treatment options for rosacea.
See the Health A-Z topic about Rosacea - treatment for more information.
Sometimes, the menopause (when a woman's monthly periods stop at around 50 years of age) can cause hot flushes. If you have hot flushes as a result of the menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or a medication called clonidine may be recommended.
See the Health A-Z topic about Menopause - treatment for more information.
Psychological therapy
If your blushing is caused by nervousness or social phobia, your GP may suggest that you try a psychological treatment. Psychological treatments that may be recommended include:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – a form of therapy that helps you to identify and eliminate unwanted thoughts, and can help you to change your behaviour in response to those thoughts.
- Breathing techniques to help relieve anxiety and rapid breathing.
- Changing thoughts – a technique that can be used to change and redirect your thoughts so that your blushing episodes are reduced.
- Clinical hypnotherapy – a technique that may help you to reduce your fear of blushing (erythrophobia).
See the Health A-Z topic about Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for more information.
Surgery
Surgery may be considered in some cases of severe facial blushing which are accompanied by excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS)
An endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a surgical procedure where some of the nerves that cause the facial blood vessels to dilate (widen) are cut. Surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic, which means that you lose consciousness completely, and will not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
During the procedure, a small incision (cut) beneath your armpit will made and the sympathetic nerves that make you sweat will be cut. The sympathetic nerve controls the sweat glands of the hands and armpits. It is located inside the rib cage, near the top of the chest.
As well as reducing your sweating, ETS will also reduce facial blushing because the sympathetic nerves control the extra blood supply to the skin.
There are a few risks associated with the ETS procedure. These include:
- a small risk of injury to the chest
- a droopy eyelid, known as Horner’s syndrome (see Blushing - complications), which occurs in about 1 in 100 cases after surgery
Despite the small risks associated with ETS, a study that followed patients over a 15-year period reported a 93% cure rate for sweating.
ETS has proven to be very effective in reducing blushing, with a success rate of 80-90% in people who have had the procedure.
Make-up
Blushing can be camouflaged using a green colour-corrective moisturiser. This type of moisturiser is also useful for covering up broken veins.
Some colour-corrective moisturisers can be used under a foundation. Others can be particularly useful for men with blushing problems. Hypo-allergenic brands are suitable for sensitive skin, and can be bought over-the-counter (OTC) from your local pharmacist.
