Erythrophobia

"The fear of blushing"

 

What is it? 

Erythrophobia, also known as the fear of blushing, is a form of specific social phobia. Many people with erythrophobia also suffer from other social phobias, although it occasionally occurs alone. People who are excessively anxious and nervous are more likely to suffer from erythrophobia. The fear generally is not of the blushing reaction itself, but rather of the attention that it might draw from others. If we are anxious or embarrassed, the last thing we want is more attention. The blushing is usually accompanied by a variety of negative thoughts that all focus on how we might be precieved by others. This, in turn, heightens the level of blushing, which further fuels the negative thoughts and then causes us to feel even more anxious or embarrassed. Blushing and erythrophobia then, is a vicious cycle that never ends.

Symptoms:

  • further blushing
  • shaking    
  • sweating
  • increased heart rate and trouble breathing
  • stumble over words
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity and the complexity of the phobia. Ultimately the fear is not of the blushing response itself, but of the reactions you percieve others might have to your blushing. Therapy options such as cognitive-behavioral therapy treat the phobia by teaching you new thought patterns and behaviors that help lessen the fear. Medications are also used, and if you suffer from more than one social phobia, your treatment plan will incorporate all of your fears, addressing them simaltaneously. 
 

Now... Is there a cure for excessive blushing? Visit the VIDEO BLOG or EXCESSIVE BLUSHING pages for further info!!