It is often wrongly perceived that blushing and a permanent red complexion is one of the same and should be treated in the same way. In order to clarify this misconception, I have written two articles. The first of which tackles blushing ( flushing - as it is known by its medical term), and how it can be treated and what causes it.



The second article will be about permanent facial redness, what it is, how it is caused, and the treatments available to reduce or even eliminate the annoying red complexion.

Emotional and Psychological Impact of Flushing

As a former veteran flusher and rosacea sufferer, I am fully aware of the psychological effect that creates a lack of self-confidence and self-esteem. As a result these inhibitions can prevent the personality from blossoming in a normal and positive way.

My road was a long and painful one before I eventually found my solution, which was a combination of cognitive therapy, prescribed anti-depressive medication and a topical rosacea treatment that successfully worked.

The cognitive therapy and the prescribed medication could have been avoided, if I had known what I know today. However, sometimes the psychological symptoms are so extreme, as in social phobia, that prescribed medication and therapy are necessary.

Now let me explain about the symptoms, causes and possible treatments.

Flushing - A Natural Response

' Fight of Flight' is a natural automated self-defense mechanism that prepares the body for facing or avoiding an oncoming danger. This process is handled by the sympathetic nervous system. Which dilates the blood vessels to ensure that sufficient blood will reach the parts of the body needed to deal with danger, such as the muscles. This increased blood flow becomes visible in the areas where the blood vessels are closer to the surface of the skin, such as the chest, neck and facial regions.

Flushing Triggers

Hot drinks, hot or spicy foods, hot baths and hot temperatures cause the body's natural thermostat to dilate blood vessels allowing a greater flow of blood to the surface, which helps aid the cooling process.

Stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol or food and drinks with a high sugar content, are vascular dilators that may cause flushing and perspiration

Healthy Flushing

During strenuous activity, there is an increase in blood flow through the dilated blood vessels which becomes visible. This type of flushing is a totally natural process and a positive sign of good health.

Exercise is an effective method of alleviating stress and anxiety and the importance of this method to help reduce flushing flare-ups, should never be underestimated.

Unhealthy Flushing

People who have an over active sympathetic nervous system experience frequent flushing flare-ups. The reason being that innocent situations such as social occasions are wrongly interpreted as dangerous and the automated defense system is activated and flushing occurs

These constant flushing episodes may eventually lead to a reduction in self-confidence and self-belief, which ultimately can have an impact on relationships, work.and general happiness.

The Two Most Common Questions Asked By People Who Flush Frequently

Question: Does everybody flush?

Answer: Yes

Question: Then if they do, why doesn't it show in everyone?

Answer: Because, in some people the blood vessels and capillaries are closer to the skin surface which increases the redness visibility.

How can I stop Flushing?

Firstly, you have to acknowledge the fact that some types of flushing cannot be reduced or prevented, notably flushing that prevails after and during exercise. This is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about, ask any sportsman, sportswoman or athlete that either experience facial redness or not.

Secondly, acceptance is the key. You must accept the fact that you flush easily and stop trying to hide it - this is covered shortly

Treat The Root Cause And Avoid The Triggers

The only long term treatment of flushing is by treating the root cause; which is the over active sympathetic nervous system including the psychological problems that may have been caused.

Lifestyle changes to avoid or limit the triggers that cause your flushing must be applied.

Laser Treatment, Topical Treatment and Natural Oral Supplements

Laser cannot be used as treatment because healthy blood vessels that supply the blood to skin cells cannot obviously be removed.

The Natural Oral supplements that help are the ones that contain active ingredients that relieve stress, anxiety or depression. And also the ones that contain ingredients which protect and nourish the skin from the daily hazards such as from the infamous free-radicals that damage cells.

Clinically proven topical creams or lotions aimed at treating rosacea contain natural anti-inflammatory ingredients that help to reduce the immediate flushing symptoms. The main importance of using only reputable topical treatments is that they also contain active ingredients that strengthen skin cell walls. This in the long term, can prevent capillary damage caused by the constant unhealthy flushing periods that may lead to a permanent red complexion or even rosacea.

Flushing Acceptance

During my research I discovered a useful video that demonstrates various methods and tecniques to help reduce flushing in those uncomfortable moments, this link is found at the end of the article.

Fact: You Cannot Flush And Be Relaxed At The Same Time

Stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, low-self confidence and embarrassment all cause flushing. However, it is impossible to be relaxed and experience these psychological symptoms at the same time. Therefore it is highly beneficial to learn relaxation techniques that will alleviate these emotional symptoms and ultimately flushing.

Self-hypnosis is a relaxation method that I highly recommend. The following website is an excellent resource for downloadable self-hypnosis mp3 sessions made by certified professionals that deal with social phobia, low self confidence, self-consciousness, stop embarrassment, stop blushing, and many other emotional symptoms. More information can be found on the url at the end.

Prescribed Medical Treatment And Cognitive Therapy

Sometimes the emotional problems caused by excessive flushing have become so extensive that prescribed medical treatment and therapy maybe required.

Prescribed Medical Treatments

Beta Blockers

- Which controls nerve impulses to the heart and are used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, high blood pressure and flushing.

Anti-Depressive Medication

- Often known as 'happy pills' these anti-depressive drugs such as Sertralin and Remeron are used to treat symptoms of social phobia, which prevents nervous flushing and sweating symptoms in any type of situation.

Cognitive Therapy

- This is an excellent therapy that provides the mental tools and strength to deal with the root causes that trigger these episodes of flushing. As a result it gives the person the ability to keep flushing under control and to accept it for what it is and not worry about it.

The Last Resort - Surgery

This is an operation that cuts the nerve located under the armpit which is linked to the sympathetic nervous system responsible for flushing.