Blushing

Blushing is a physiological response to emotional arousal, often triggered by feelings of anxiety, embarrassment or shame. Individuals with social anxiety disorder may experience more frequent and intense blushing due to the heightened emotional responses associated with their social anxiety.

Blushing and related anxiety symptoms can become part of the self-perpetuating social anxiety maintenance cycle.

Erythrophobia (Fear of Blushing)

Erythrophobia, the fear of blushing, can significantly impact a person’s daily life. While some blushing is a common human response to embarrassment or anxiety, people with erythrophobia may experience it to an excessive and distressing degree. They may feel ashamed of their blushing and worry that other people are noticing or judging it. This can result in a vicious cycle where fear of blushing causes more blushing. The condition can adversely affect their work and social life as sufferers may seek to avoid social gatherings, public speaking, job interviews or public encounters where their blushing occurs.

Whilst there can be medical reasons for the physical symptom of blushing (see our section at the bottom of this article) erythrophobia itself is an anxiety disorder closely related to social anxiety disorder itself.

Blushing as part of other symptoms

Many of the articles on this website relate to physical symptoms of social anxiety disorder but these are typically part of the wider social anxiety maintenance cycle. For further general information about social anxiety see Find out more. Please also see our draft guide on how to make progress.

Blushing might not be perceived as badly as you think

While erythrophobia may sometimes stem from past negative experiences with blushing, it is often not judged as harshly, or always as noticeable, as many sufferers imagine. Some research suggests that people who blush may be seen as more open and trustworthy. See this BBC article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20140310-why-blushing-may-be-good-for-you

Some blushing is normal

Blushing is a normal physiological response to emotional arousal and is not exclusive to those with social anxiety. Even with extreme blushing, self-compassion, patience, talking with others, self-help or therapy, can help you see your blushing as a natural reaction, a part of you, not a flaw. Self-compassion may help the blushes come and go without so much fear of judgement.

Some people find that being open about their blushing helps it to feel more manageable. See this quote from our contributor George: “I suffered from intense blushing (and fear of blushing, that caused more blushing!) from the age of 14 up to age 50). It meant that I shied away from encounters and acted the fool in order to cover it up. But this isn’t the way to go. What I do now – when I blush – is to try and own the reaction/situation; simply say to the to those you are talking to, “I’m sorry, can I take a second….I don’t find this easy” or be honest and say, “I sometimes get anxious with people….can I take a second to relax”. You’ll be (pleasantly) surprised that people usually understand this and will give you the time (and support) to get yourself sorted. If you do this often enough it will become second nature, and you’ll find that – in time – you will blush less (or worry less about blushing). It’s worked for me, and I blush less now, and am more accepting of bodys physical reactions. Try it…and where you can try and be honest about how you’re feeling with others. I hope this helps”.

Redness reducing make-up

Blushing is nothing to be ashamed of but in some intense situations like giving a presentation or attending an interview, the fear of blushing may feel overwhelming. For those who find it helpful, green tinted colour-correcting make-up is one option for hiding facial redness and can be found in many chemists or beauty stores.

Calming techniques

Calming techniques can help our body to relax, reducing blushing. Please see our page on Grounding techniques to help calm yourself.

Support Groups

You may want to join a support group for blushing, erythrophobia or social anxiety where you can find fellow sufferers and seek mutual assistance and advice.
See our page on social anxiety support groups

Seeking Professional Help

If you have extreme blushing it is a good idea to consult your GP (this can be via email/online contact forms if your GP practice allows). A GP can check if there might be medical reasons for your blushing. Many of the recommended psychological treatments for social anxiety can be also modified for erythrophobia.
See our page on talking to your GP.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective and evidence-based treatment for social anxiety, including blushing.

Learn more about CBT on our page What is CBT?.

Other possible therapies

Please see NHS treatment options for social anxiety and Glossary of other psychological therapies for social anxiety

Medications

In some cases, anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to help manage certain aspects of blushing. These medications often provide short-term relief and are typically used before specific anxiety-inducing events.

It’s important to consult with your GP before starting any new medication. For more information on discussing your health concerns with your doctor, please refer to our page on talking to your GP.

Medical reasons for Blushing

Excessive blushing can sometimes be because of a medical conditions like rosacea, certain medications, or hormonal changes.

If you’re concerned, discuss these symptoms with your GP, either in person or via email if your practice allows.

Please also see this NHS article that discusses some other causes of blushing www.nhs.uk/conditions/blushing/

Additionally, if you experience other symptoms alongside blushing, such as shortness of breath, fainting, dizziness, or chest pain, it’s essential to consult your GP. These could be signs of an underlying health issue that requires medical attention.