Blushing

How to help stop yourself blushing

Do

keep cool by removing a layer of clothing and drinking water
wear make-up that reduces the redness of your skin in stressful situations, like an interview or when giving a presentation

Don't

do not eat spicy foods or drink alcohol or hot drinks if they make you blush

Common causes of blushing

Lots of different things can cause blushing. It's often caused by feeling embarrassed, hot or anxious.

Sometimes other symptoms you have might give you an idea of what's causing it.

Some medicines can also cause blushing. Check the side effects of any medicine you're taking to see if blushing or flushing is listed.

See a GP if:

your blushing is affecting your everyday life
you think your blushing might be caused by a medical condition or a medicine you're taking

Treatments from a GP

Treatment for blushing will depend on the cause.

For example, your GP may suggest:

a talking therapy like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) if your blushing is caused by stress or anxiety
medicines to help reduce anxiety, stop blushing or treat an underlying condition

Surgery may be an option if blushing is very severe and other treatments have not helped. But it can cause serious and long-lasting side effects.

Sexual Health Advice

Throughout this series we have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. The topics covered in this series include:

	This item was in brought to you association with NHS website. Follow the links above for more information and don't forget to check out OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health which features items on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. This week our topic is: L - Lung Cancer.
Photos: OutUK and LightFieldStudios.