How Do I Reduce Blushing in the Face?

Put an end to frequent facial blushing.

Facial blushing is a minor annoyance that many people experience from time to time. In some cases, however, it may occur frequently enough to interfere with social engagements, work performance and the enjoyment of life. Fortunately, there are treatments that may help you to get some relief from excessive facial blushing. They may include mental health counseling, medication and even surgery in severe cases. Additionally, there are steps you can take to avoid blushing triggers on your own.

Instructions

1. Try mental health therapy. In some cases, blushing may be related to anxiety in social situations or extreme shyness. Sessions with a psychotherapist may help you to develop better coping skills, feel more confident and reduce not only facial blushing, but also other symptoms of social anxiety or shyness.

2. Opt for hypnosis. Hypnotherapy may help you to see and react to anxiety-producing situations in a different way. If it is successful, you may feel less anxious in social situations and experience less facial blushing.

3. Avoid physical triggers. While blushing is often caused by a psychological reaction, physical triggers may contribute to it as well. Avoiding spicy foods and hot drinks may help to reduce your facial blushing. Staying out of the sun and keeping cool may help as well.

4. Ask your doctor about prescription treatments for blushing. Medications like beta-blockers, which are normally used to regulate heartbeat and blood pressure, are sometimes helpful for reducing blushing.

5. Use an over-the-counter remedy. Some OTC medications and supplements are said to be helpful for reducing blushing. You may use an OTC medication daily to manage blushing that happens frequently or before social encounters if you only experience blushing in occasional social situations.

6. Consider surgery. If your blushing is severe, you may be a candidate for surgery that reduces blood flow to your face. Typically, this type of surgery is only performed when facial blushing is frequent, interferes with daily functioning and is accompanied by profuse sweating.

Tips & Warnings

• Speak to your doctor before you take an OTC medication or supplement for blushing. Your doctor may advise you on whether the medication is safe, likely to interfere with any other medications you take and effective.

References

• NIH: Skin Blushing/Flushing
• Mayo Clinic: Symptoms
• Hyperhidrosis: Facial Blushing

Resources

• Eredicane
• Mayo Clinic: Rosacea