Blushing syndrome: causes, symptoms

Blushing syndrome is a physiological condition of a person, which consists of sudden blushing. We have all met people who suddenly blush out of embarrassment from a meaningless phrase or joke. If this does not bother a person much, then there is no problem. But often people experience internal discomfort, moral torment, worry that this will happen at the wrong time, will expose their feelings, will be perceived by others as self-doubt. Communication becomes difficult, constraint sets in, and sometimes depression. This condition develops into a disease.

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Epidemiology

Studies show that the epidemiology of blushing syndrome is quite extensive and amounts to one case per 300 people. Every 200th inhabitant of the planet suffers from excessive sweating, which is often accompanied by sudden reddening of the face.

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Causes blushing syndrome

The work of blood vessels in the body is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. When the load on the body increases, with the help of a command from the brain to the nervous system, the vessels expand, allowing a greater flow of blood to pass through them. This leads to a rush of blood to the capillaries of the face and, as a result, to its redness. The cause of blushing syndrome is a disorder in the functioning of the nervous system, consisting in increased sensitivity to minor emotional stimuli. The face turns red or becomes covered with red spots that do not go away for a long time. There are cases of redness of other parts of the body. This is a psychological problem and is not related to medical diseases.

There are other reasons for blushing that are not related to embarrassment. Hot flashes and sweating are common in women during menopause. This is due to hormonal changes in the body. During hot flashes, women's faces and necks suddenly turn red, but after a while everything returns to normal. Hypertension, high blood pressure, is also accompanied by facial blushing. Similar symptoms may occur when taking certain medications to treat heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis. If such a reaction is poorly tolerated by patients, treatment is canceled. Gastrointestinal tract and thyroid diseases may be accompanied by such a reaction. People who regularly drink alcohol are also prone to facial blushing, especially the nose. As a rule, such people experience blushing with a sharp change in air temperature. Subcutaneous mites are big provocateurs of blushing. Microscopic parasites penetrate under the skin, causing inflammation, itching, and acne. It is believed that mites cause rosacea. Gastronomic addictions to fatty and spicy food can also cause redness.

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Risk factors

Blushing syndrome often appears in childhood and leads to a fear of going to the board, performing on stage in front of an audience. In adolescence, such people have difficulty communicating with the opposite sex. They try to avoid making new acquaintances, do not attend parties, and communicate little with their peers. They enter adulthood with this complex. The career of withdrawn, uncommunicative people is also rarely successful, because they are afraid to prove themselves in a team, they are calmer in the shadows. Their personal life is usually difficult. This whole complex of psychological problems can lead to serious consequences and result in depression.

Stress and depression are a serious risk factor for blushing syndrome to develop into erythrophobia (fear of blushing) and social phobia (difficulty adapting to society, self-isolation). Risk factors also include alcohol abuse, addiction to fatty and spicy foods, hot baths and compresses, massage, and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays.

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Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of blanching syndrome lies in the peculiarities of the functioning of two vital human systems - the autonomic nervous system and the cardiovascular system. The human autonomic nervous system consists of two branches, two trunks: sympathetic and parasympathetic, which, counteracting each other, provide the body's tone necessary for life.

The speed of blood flow through the vessels depends on the value of arterial pressure. In turn, arterial pressure is directly dependent on the diameter of the arteries and veins. The wider they are, the lower the pressure and the higher the blood filling of the vessels. When the lumens of the vessels narrow, arterial pressure increases, since more effort is needed to pump the same volume of blood. It is at this stage that the “interests” of the two life support systems of the body “intersect”. The sympathetic trunk of the vegetative department expands the blood vessels, the parasympathetic one narrows them. At the same time, the human face contains many blood vessels and capillaries, equal in number to the vessels of the human back, which is much larger in area. If the sympathetic trunk is more active, there is increased blood filling and the vessels and capillaries of the face immediately make themselves known by redness. This is most often characteristic of cholerics.

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Symptoms blushing syndrome

The symptoms of blushing syndrome are obvious, as they are expressed in a sudden reddening of the face or other areas of the skin as a result of the slightest emotional outburst. It is often accompanied by a disease similar in its characteristics - hyperhidrosis, which manifests itself in increased sweating.

First signs

The first sign of blushing syndrome is not the reddening of the skin itself, but the fear of blushing, psychological discomfort from it. Blushing syndrome, as a rule, has its roots in childhood, but can appear at another age.

Many children are shy, but it usually goes away with age. Sometimes childishness remains and makes itself known with sudden flushes of color for any insignificant reason: accidentally pushing someone, drawing attention to yourself with some remark, having to stand in front of an audience. For most people, this is an ordinary situation that is immediately forgotten. A person prone to blushing syndrome will suffer for a long time, remembering their mistake or drawing attention to themselves. This symptom should alert you and serve as an impetus to work on yourself or contact a psychotherapist.

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Forms

While studying the problem, scientists have identified two types of blushing syndrome: general and focal. The name itself indicates that the foci of the syndrome can be both all over the body and locally in certain areas. Obviously, visible areas of redness, that is, the face and neck, cause more discomfort. If this is also accompanied by increased sweating, then the feelings of a person experiencing such unpleasant sensations are quite understandable. According to the degree, manifestations of increased sensitivity of the autonomic nervous system in the form of redness and a more serious phase are distinguished - painful perception and fear of the occurrence of this phenomenon (erythrophobia).

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Complications and consequences

The appearance of frequent, seemingly innocent blushing can lead to undesirable consequences and complications. If blushing syndrome develops into erythrophobia, it can result in a large psychological burden on a person and a moral problem, which entails:

• inferiority complex;
• fear of expressing one's opinion;
• limiting communication with people, colleagues;
• refusal of career growth and choice of less skilled work;
• development of autonomic neurosis, depression.

Quality of life can be seriously affected, hopelessness can appear, and then suicidal thoughts.

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Diagnostics blushing syndrome

When diagnosing blushing syndrome, it is important to determine what kind of problem this is - psychological or physiological. To identify psychological causes, they resort to stimulating various stressful situations that lead to facial blushing, while analyzing the patient's behavior. Another direction is identifying a physical ailment that leads to such consequences. During a conversation with a doctor about the peculiarities of the occurrence of blushing, additional clinical studies and tests may be prescribed to clarify the diagnosis.

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Tests

Blood tests for hormones will help determine the causes leading to blushing syndrome. The nervous system in tandem with hormones coordinates the harmonious work of all body systems. With their excess or deficiency, various "breakdowns" in the vital activity of organs occur. Thus, the onset of menopause is associated with a decrease in the production of sex hormones (estrogens). In case of gastrointestinal tract disorders, a gastrin test is performed (promotes the production of gastric juice), an increased content of which indicates such diseases as gastritis, ulcers, stomach cancer, renal failure. A reduced gastrin level indicates a hormonal disease - hyperthyroidism. In diabetes mellitus, an insulin test is performed, with the help of which glucose is converted into energy. If insulin is not produced by the pancreas, sugar accumulates in the body, to detect it, there is a blood and urine test for sugar. With its increased levels, hot flashes occur and sweating increases. Depressions lead to a decrease in the production of the hormone thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone by the thyroid gland. If there is a suspicion of the presence of a subcutaneous mite, the skin microflora is examined by conducting a bacteriological culture.

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Instrumental diagnostics

Instrumental diagnostics is designed to detect the possible presence of diseases that cause blushing syndrome. For this purpose, ultrasound diagnostics (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and X-rays are used, with the help of which the condition of internal organs is determined, including the pancreas and thyroid gland, kidneys, and ovaries in women. Endoscopy of the stomach and duodenum may be prescribed. Sugar levels are determined using a glucometer. A tonometer measures blood pressure.

Differential diagnosis

In blushing syndrome, instrumental and differential diagnostics overlap, since in order to identify its psychological nature, it is necessary to exclude the physical factor. Laboratory and instrumental studies will help to understand this.

Treatment blushing syndrome

Treatment of blushing syndrome consists of three directions - psychological, medicinal and surgical. Psychological implies the direct participation of a psychologist, psychotherapist and includes:

• trainings based on self-hypnosis, increasing one’s own self-esteem, abstracting from the problem and paying more attention to others than to oneself;
• autogenic training, which gives skills to cope with panic moods, regulate breathing rate, and control oneself;
• hypnosis;
• yoga and meditation, which relax and liberate.

Medicinal treatment of blushing syndrome to relieve symptoms consists of blocking nerve impulses to the facial vessels, for this the doctor prescribes beta blockers. To suppress negative emotions on blushing, antidepressants are prescribed. When an ailment is detected that provokes facial blushing, treatment is directed at the source of the disease.

Treatment with tablets

If psychological methods do not help to change the attitude towards blushing syndrome and there is a need to reduce the symptoms (in the case of, say, a person's publicity), drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases are used - alpha- and beta-blockers, which, by acting on the sympathetic trunk of the nervous system, block the blushing for 3-4 hours. Such drugs include: terazonin, prazonin, cornam, bisoprolol, konkur, metoprolol, celiprolol, anaprilin, etc. Before taking it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Terazonin is an alpha blocker, tablets. Start taking with a minimum dose (1 mg per day), gradually increasing, but not more than 20 mg. In case of overdose, a sharp decrease in blood pressure, loss of consciousness is possible. Contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to the components of the drug, pregnant and lactating women, children. Side effects include decreased blood pressure, nausea, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, decreased vision.

Bisoprolol is a beta blocker, available in tablets of 5 and 10 mg. For hypertension, it is taken in the morning on an empty stomach or during breakfast. For people with blushing syndrome, a sufficient dose of 0.25 mg before the period of time when it is necessary to "look good". The drug may have side effects in the form of dizziness, headaches, fatigue, insomnia. It has contraindications for people sensitive to the drug or its components, with bronchial asthma, heart rhythm disturbances, rare pulse, pregnant and nursing mothers, etc.

Anaprilin is a beta blocker, 40 mg tablets. Take 10-30 minutes before meals with plenty of water. In blushing syndrome, a minimum single dose of 10 mg is sufficient, and the number of doses can be 3-4 per day. Possible side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, liver disorders, dizziness, insomnia, headaches, rarely - allergic reactions. Contraindicated in patients with a low heart rate, low blood pressure, bronchial asthma, pregnancy and lactation.

To reduce the reaction to blushing syndrome, sedatives are taken - tranquilizers. They must be taken very carefully, because they are addictive and reduce mental activity. Tranquilizers relieve emotional stress, anxiety, fear. Here are some of them: chlozepid, diazepam, phenazepam, midazolam, meprotan, elenium.

Elenium — in tablets and ampoules. The initial dose is 5-10 mg per day, if necessary, the dose is increased to 30-50 mg, divided into 3-4 doses. Before the end of treatment, the dose should be gradually reduced. If the patient's work requires quick reactions, it is better to refuse to take the drug, since one of the side effects is drowsiness. Itching, skin rashes, nausea, constipation are also possible. Contraindicated in muscle weakness, kidney and liver diseases.

If blushing syndrome has gone too far and led to depression, antidepressants are prescribed. They relieve low mood, irritability, anxiety, and eliminate obsessive thoughts. The list of antidepressants is very extensive, here are some that belong to the new generation of drugs: venlafaxine, fluoxetine, sertraline, paxil, insidon. Antidepressants are available only with a doctor's prescription.

Insidon is available in the form of pills. The single dose for adults is 5 mg 2-3 times a day. The maximum daily dose is 25 mg. It is not prescribed to children under 6 years of age, after 6 - 3-4 mg per day. The first two weeks do not violate the regularity of administration. The duration of treatment is 1-2 months. Contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the drug, in glaucoma. Side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, sleep disturbance, convulsions, hypotension, urinary retention.

If the cause of blushing syndrome is hypertension, then in addition to the above-mentioned alpha- and beta-blockers, diuretics (hypothiazide, furosemide, triamterene, spironolactone), calcium antagonists (corinfar, verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine), etc. are used. In case of hormonal disorders during menopause, the gynecologist will prescribe hormonal drugs: premarin, estropheminal, klimonorm, trisequens, estrophem, etc. In case of rosacea, if subcutaneous mites are detected, antibiotics are used.

Vitamins

Along with the above treatment methods, taking certain vitamins will also help reduce blushing syndrome.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a well-known antioxidant, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, relieves inflammation, reduces the impact of allergens on the body. Vitamin C is sold in pharmacies, but there is so much of it in various products that we consume daily that it is hardly worth resorting to a pharmacy drug. A storehouse of this vitamin is rose hips (100 g of fruit contains up to 1500 mg of vitamin C), black currants and sweet peppers (250 mg each), horseradish (110-200 mg), lemon, cabbage, strawberries (50-75 mg each).

Vitamin P is a bioflavonoid that eliminates capillary fragility, reduces vascular wall permeability, improves the functions of the lymphovenous region of the vascular system, reduces blood pressure, and has a beneficial effect on the endocrine system. It interacts very well with vitamin C, helping it to be absorbed. It is found in the same vegetables and berries as vitamin C.

Vitamin K is synthesized by bacteria in the intestines, and is found in nature in two forms: isolated from alfalfa (K1) and rotting fish meal (K2). Vitamin K is involved in the absorption of calcium by the body, which strengthens blood vessels and prevents bleeding and hemorrhages. It is synthesized chemically.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapeutic treatment of blushing syndrome is aimed at strengthening the autonomic nervous system. Among the existing physiotherapeutic procedures, hydrotherapy is widely used (various herbal, especially coniferous, and mineral baths, contrast showers, Charcot showers). The beneficial effect of low-frequency current on the body is also used. The procedure is called electrosleep and is based on a sedative effect. Acupuncture is also indicated for blushing syndrome.

Folk remedies

In case of blushing syndrome, folk treatment is aimed at reducing nervous tension, achieving mental balance, and also at local action on the foci of redness. For internal use, herbal infusions and decoctions are prepared, which are also used for lotions, compresses, baths. For external use, freshly brewed strong black tea, oak bark (1 tablespoon per half a liter of water, boil for 10 minutes, let it brew), and burnet root (2 tablespoons are poured with a glass of boiling water, infused for 20-30 minutes) are used. Rubbing the body with salt water (a tablespoon per liter of water), and a shower with alternating cold and hot water also strengthens the nervous system.

Herbal treatment

Herbal treatment should begin with those that contain the vitamins described above and also have a calming effect. The first ones include rose hips. To prepare a rosehip decoction, you will need:

• 100g of fruit and a liter of water. Crush the fruit and pour cold water over it, bring to a boil and keep on the fire for 7-10 minutes, then cool and strain, leave for at least 3 hours. The fruit can be used for another decoction. Drink a third of a glass several times a day. Take with caution in case of gastritis and peptic ulcer.

Horse chestnut reduces capillary permeability, so it is also used for blushing syndrome. Leaves, flowers, fruits and bark are used to prepare decoctions and infusions. Fresh juice from chestnut flowers is also drunk:

• 20-30 drops per tablespoon of water 2 times a day.

One of the many tincture recipes:

• 50g of crushed brown fruit peels (you can use a meat grinder to grind) pour half a liter of vodka, let it brew for 2 weeks, drink after straining: 30 drops per spoon of water three times a day half an hour before meals. After a week, the dose can be increased.

Peppermint is effective as a sedative:

• Pour 250g of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of the herb, leave for an hour and a half, take a third of a glass several times a day.

As a sedative decoction, we can recommend a decoction of motherwort, hop cones, mint, and valerian root. The recipe is as follows:

• Combine 3 tablespoons of motherwort and mint and 2 tablespoons of hop cones and valerian root, pour 250 g of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of the mixture and place in a water bath for a quarter of an hour. After cooling, strain and drink 100 g 3 times a day.

Homeopathy

The role of homeopathy in blushing syndrome is to help restore self-regulation and balance of body functions. Homeopathy does not give instant results, but involves a fairly long-term treatment. Depending on the severity of the mental state, various homeopathic remedies are prescribed. Here are some of them: platinum, stramonium, magnesium carbonicum, hyoscyamus, aurum metallicum, causticum, gelsemium, kalium phosphoricum, pulsatilla, sepia comp. matrona, sulfur, nervocheel.

Platinum — is available in the form of C6, C12 and higher dragees and C6, C12 and higher drops. Take 8 dragees (drops) 3 times a day. No significant side effects were observed. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should take precautions and consult a specialist before taking it.

Pulsatilla is made using the herb pasqueflower (sleep-grass), available in granules and ointments. Granules in D3, D6, D12, D30, D200 dilutions. The treatment regimen is determined by the homeopath individually. The drug is placed under the tongue on an empty stomach and kept until dissolved. For disorders of the nervous system, as a rule, D200 dilution is prescribed. Side effects were noted very rarely in the form of allergies. Contraindicated for men and people with increased sensitivity to buttercups. Before taking pregnant and lactating women, a doctor's consultation is required.

Nervoheel is a combination drug that includes plant, animal and mineral components. It is taken before meals or an hour after meals. The dose and regimen for taking the drug is determined by the doctor individually. But children under 3 years of age are not prescribed more than half a tablet, after three years, a single dose of 1 tablet. For sleep disorders, it is recommended to take 15-30 minutes before bedtime. The maximum daily dose for adults is no more than 15 tablets. Norvoheel is also prescribed to women during menopause. No side effects have been identified, there are no contraindications.

Sulfur is based on sulfur and has a positive effect on the regulatory functions of the autonomic nervous system. It is indicated for acne. For external use, it is available as an ointment, for internal use - in drops with D3, C3, C6 and higher dilutions and granules D6, D12, D30, C3 and higher dilutions. The ointment is used before bedtime, the course of treatment is 10 days. The doctor determines the treatment regimen with granules and drops individually. Side effects may be observed in the form of increased symptoms, but this may often indicate the effectiveness of the treatment and there is no need to cancel the drug. Contraindications exist for patients with tuberculosis and people sensitive to sulfur preparations.

Operation

All the above treatments are not always effective, because often the reactivity of the autonomic nervous system can only be changed by surgical treatment. For this, they resort to sympathectomy - a surgical operation that involves cutting the nerve that carries a signal from the brain to the facial vessels, or applying a clip to it. In modern medicine, high-frequency electric current is used for such an operation. The operation lasts no more than half an hour. The effectiveness of this method is close to 100%. However, 5% of people who resorted to surgery also experienced a side effect in the form of increased sweating, which also causes considerable inconvenience. Before deciding on surgery, it is necessary to weigh the pros and cons, and also obtain the consent of the doctor. He is the last resort before making a decision.

Prevention

Prevention of blushing syndrome consists of working on yourself, psychological training. It is necessary to convince yourself that a person can be interesting to another not only because of his appearance, but also because of his rich inner world, wide range of interests, depth of knowledge, and spiritual qualities. Sports, the use of well-known relaxation techniques - meditation and yoga - will help you become more confident. In the end, many people around you consider the ability to blush a virtue and a lack of cynicism.

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Forecast

The prognosis for getting rid of blushing syndrome is favorable, it is based on the existence of a surgical method for the complete elimination of facial redness, i.e. visible areas that cause significant psychological discomfort to a person.

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