Erythrophobia

Erythrophobia is the fear of blushing, whereby the pronounced reddening of the face further increases the discomfort in this situation. In most cases, it is not the blushing itself that is the biggest problem, but the fear of it occurring uncontrollably.

What is erythrophobia?

Erythrophobia has its origins in a malfunction of the sympathetic nervous system. This nerve, known as the sympathetic borderline, runs next to the thoracic spine directly under the pleura and is therefore accessible by thoracoscopy.

The trigger is often an unpleasant experience in childhood or adolescence, which the brain stores as “negative”. Those affected often blush on the slightest occasion, for example when someone speaks to them. Lectures or presentations in front of an audience are also hardly possible. Sometimes just thinking about the situation is enough to trigger the blush. The result is a vicious circle – and ultimately the “fear of fear”. But erythrophobia can be treated. Ideally with the help of behavioral therapy.

Symptoms

In erythrophobia, the uncontrollable blushing of the facial skin is accompanied by a feeling of heat all over the head or in certain parts of the face.

Treatment

Therapy can be useful if the fear of blushing restricts your everyday life, social interaction and work. There are different approaches to treatment; without surgery (conservative, preferably with the help of behavioral therapy) or with surgery. However, surgery is only indicated and necessary in a few cases.