Blushing, What Is Really Going On?
The process of blushing can be spontaneous, but it is more often the result of a thought or a moment that causes an emotional response such as embarrassment (for example, if you are being teased) or anxiety.
Blushing is caused by the blood rushing to our face in response to some form of social stress. The color in our face comes from specialized cells called chromatophores that are located beneath the skin. There are three types: melanin-containing cells called 'eumelanin', oxyhemoglobin-rich cells called 'hemoglobin' and deoxyhemoglobin-rich cells termed 'methemoglobin'. Blushing is mostly caused by erythrophobia i.e. the fear of blushing, which is more commonly known as 'red face syndrome'. The cell that contains the methemoglobin, called methemoglobin reductase enzyme, acts in such a way that it reverses the effect of hemoglobin. It also causes the vasoconstriction or increased blood flow to our face and neck.
As you might have noticed, our face turns red in response to experiencing some type of emotion specifically embarrassment or embarrassment related anxiety. As the blood rush to our face from an emotional reaction, we become embarrassed and act embarrassed by blushing.
So what causes embarrassment?
Well in many cases, it is caused by a thought or a moment such as when we are being teased. However, there are two other causes that are even more common and these are:
When you have just made an emotional outburst. For example, if you have just told your teacher about your brother's death or something similar to this. When you have overheard others talking about you or hear your name being mentioned in the crowd.
Although, this might seem a little exaggerated and over-dramatic than it is not surprising at all that blushing is associated with embarrassment and anxiety because of our modern lifestyles and activities. Nowadays, we live in a world where even the smallest thing matters and can somehow reflect on us as a person. In many cases, people are easily judged by the way they dress or their behavior.
As such, it is not surprising that when you blushed and a small color change in your face others automatically assume that you have done something wrong or something to feel embarrassed about. However, blushing does not mean that you have been found guilty of doing anything wrong as such. It is just a reflex action that has taken place from an emotional response.
Furthermore, it is not wrong to feel embarrassed from time-to-time (as in my opinion you should be) and this is because you are not a perfect human being. You will make mistakes and act foolishly from time-to-time and that is completely normal. In fact, feeling this way is a good thing because it gives you an idea as to where your faults are, what needs to be worked on and also helps you feel more comfortable with yourself.
As such, try not to worry about blushing or feeling embarrassed for whatever reason and eventually you will see that it does pass after a while.
In addition, you can try to avoid doing things that might make you feel embarrassed in the first place. For example, if you are shy then change it by being more social and initiating conversations with people around you. Also, be more confident and if necessary go to a group of people and just start talking. Another thing that you can do is to always try to look your best so that other people perceive you as confident and a person who has it all together.
Lastly, if you think that blushing is causing a lot of problems in your life, then speak to your doctor about it. He or she might be able to help or direct you to someone who can help such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Source(s):
http://www.simplypsychology.org/blushing.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blushing#Emotional_reaction
Anonymous · 10 years ago 0 Thumbs up 0 Thumbs down Report Abuse Comment Add a comment Submit · just now just now My father used to have a very bad case of blushing (and still does to this day) and I have it as well - though much less severe since learning to control my emotions and anxiety better (through CBT). My mother has a mild case, though it too can be triggered by stress, as well as seeing a startled look on someone's face (which is most often the case when she sees me). I do have some friends with more severe cases - one was diagnosed with hyperhidrosis - which basically means uncontrollable sweating - and another who was diagnosed with an abnormally high level of the hormone adrenaline (to help cool body temperature), and his blushing helps control it. If you notice, there is no one "cause" of blushing, but rather many a combination thereof. Also, in terms of causes/reasons for your blushing... if you haven't already, I'd encourage you to try to break it down and notice what situations cause your blushing. For example, if it's a particular person(s), or people in general (if it is specific to one particular person, it could be that you're shy around them), or maybe a particular situation such as speaking up in front of peers? In terms of controlling it... well first things first, I'd suggest learning how to control your emotions - if you know that stress and anxiety can also trigger your blushing, then learn how to control your emotions/anxiety - change the way you think about things (aka. cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT), such as "If I make a mistake at work, I will not let it affect my performance". Next, find ways to control your blushing - this is called blushing "prevention", and you can train yourself to stop blushing before it even happens. For example, make a conscious effort to look down or away when someone says something awkward or embarrassing. Also, have you tried self-awareness? For example, if you know that the situation when you begin blushing could be fixed - perhaps by dressing differently (such as wearing more conservative clothing) in that case? Anyway, your psychologist/psychiatrist would be the best person to guide you through this. Good luck! =) From: A P G · 10 years ago 1 Thumbs up 0 Thumbs down Report Abuse Comment Add a comment Submit · just now just now I have hypo-hidrosis and it's often a social thing but also if I'm not feeling well like at the moment and can't stand the feel of my own skin.
I was quite good at it until I turned 17 but since then...
I guess there are many reasons why you blush and they're different for everyone. Also, there could be some neurological reasons such as your brain sending the message to the sweat glands to tell them to produce more sweat which could be why you blushed.
Conclusion: You should discuss this with your doctor or other professional to help you overcome the problem. I have hypo-hidrosis and it's often a social thing but also if I'm not feeling well like at the moment and can't stand the feel of my own skin.I was quite good at it until I turned 17 but since then...I guess there are many reasons why you blush and they're different for everyone. Also, there could be some neurological reasons such as your brain sending the message to the sweat glands to tell them to produce more sweat which could be why you blushed.Conclusion: You should discuss this with your doctor or other professional to help you overcome the problem.