How to Stop Excessive Blushing

Excessive blushing can be a medical disorder or a psychological disorder---or it can be a little of both. Some people have a medical disorder that causes their skin to blush easily, but their fear of blushing in public can intensify the problem and make them blush even when they are not embarrassed. If you have this problem, you might begin by determining its cause.

Things You'll Need

• Journal

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Instructions

• 1

  Take deep breaths in embarrassing situations. If you feel out of control and nervous when embarrassed, it can be hard to remember to take deep breaths. Your body might react with a fight-or-flight response that will cause your face to turn red. By taking deep breaths, you can reduce your body's adrenaline response. Breathe in for four counts, then breathe out for eight counts until you are feeling calm.

• 2

  See a psychologist. A psychologist can incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy into your daily routine in order for you to understand what makes you blush and why you blush in certain situations and not others. If you understand what triggers your blushing, you can talk yourself down when you feel yourself starting to blush.

• 3

  Keep a journal. If you write down every situation in which you blush---the time of day, the trigger and the place you were---you can discover patterns and then avoid or anticipate such situations.

• 4

  Consult your doctor. Your doctor may determine your blushing is a medical condition such as hyperhidrosis, and she might suggest medication to keep your blushing under control. Some medications that have helped individuals control their blushing are anxiety medications such as Xanax, beta blockers and Clonadine.

• 5

  Consider surgery. If your blushing is negatively affecting your life, an endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy might be an option. Although it is expensive and involves risks, endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is an option that should be discussed if no other treatments have worked.