RED ALERT

Unexpected reasons for a flushed face

This week: Why we blush when we are embarrassed

ANXIETY is the most common psychological cause of blushing.

The feeling of warm cheeks and appearance of redness is caused by blood vessels just under the skin widening so more blood flows to the surface.

The blood vessels are controlled by the autonomic nervous system, a network of nerves affected by emotion. TREATMENTS: Antidepressants are often used to treat anxiety and so may reduce blushing. More invasive is an endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, where the nerves in the chest that control the way blood vessels dilate and constrict are blocked by cutting, burning or clamping. Research at Boras Hospital in Sweden shows that quality of life for patients who had the treatment improved substantially, but side-effects such as sweating on the body and legs are common.