RED ALERT

ThE surprising reasons for a flushed face. This week: Anxiety ANXIETY causes blood vessels just under the skin to widen, so more blood flows to the skin, making it look flushed.

The vessels dilate because of a response by the autonomic nervous system, a network of nerves that produce automatic reactions and can be affected by emotions. Possible treatments include antidepressants, which are widely used for anxiety.

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy has also been used to reduce problem blushing. Here, the sympathetic nerves in the chest ( that control how blood vessels dilate and constrict) are blocked. Swedish research showed that the treatment can boost quality of life. The researchers said: ‘Sideeffects, especially compensatory sweating on the trunk and legs, are common but only rarely result in the patient regretting the operation.’