| Introduction
Erythrophobia is the continuous fear of blushing. Those affected experience anxiety and irrational fear, and cannot control the condition. Any type of social events are usually avoided. It often occurs in combination with hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating, especially sweating of the face. Unfortunately, previous attempts to suppress the condition have had the complete opposite effect.
Causes
Blushing is the spontaneous reddening of the face in response to stress, that then fades quickly. It can also extend to the neck, ears, and upper chest. Severe facial blushing is caused by excessive activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is part of the involuntary nervous system. Common causes are:
- Talking with another person
- Presenting public presentations
- Being in a crowd
Basically, these are common situations that the average person can adapt to fairly easily. All of these causes can be included with the anxiety of being the focus of attention and embarrassment. This anxiety can also be associated with another condition called Social Phobia, which is the irrational fear of the public. Perhaps the most surprising fact of all concerning erythrophobia, is that it is actually an inherited disease in many individuals.
Results
Sufferers often not only have a lower self esteem, but also lose abilities to succeed in life by compromising:
- Career goals
- Academic achievements
- Social life
Treatment
The most effective form of treatment is ETS or Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy which is an outpatient operation used to treat the most severe cases of not only erythrophobia, but hyperhidrosis as well. It is used to interrupt overactive sympathetic nerves located in the chest cavity that cause excessive sweating. The patient undergoes general anesthesia and feels no pain during the entire procedure. It is completed in four major steps:
- cosmetic incision is made under the armpit as the surgeon inserts a tiny camera with a telescope into the chest cavity.
- overactive sympathetic nerve is identified
- small part of the sympathetic nerve is carefully dissected
- neural transmissions in these nerves are interrupted by clipping or microcutting.
- Microcutting
This is a technique done by many surgeons because it is easier to
perform. Electrocautery or sharp scissors are used to cut the sympathetic
nerve.
- Clipping
This technique is also performed often because it is less likely than
microcutting to cause any injury since no cutting is involved. The
sympathetic nerve conduction is decreased by placing a titanium clip
across the nerves that control it.
As with any treatment, despite its effectiveness, there are some disadvantages. Most are experienced by very few patients, with the exception of one, compensatory sweating. It is excessive sweating of the lower portions of the body, however it is tolerated by most patients. Other more rare side effects can include decreased heart rate, dry skin, and adverse reactions to certain foods.
Alternative Treatments
Although ETS has proven to be the most effective form of treatment, it should only be considered after less invasive methods have been opted. Such methods include:
- Homeopathy
- Massage
- Acupuncture
- Psychotherapy
- Medications
Unfortunately, many patients have tried these methods with little to no results, including commonly used medications such as Inderal (beta blockers) or sedatives.
Conclusion
Erythrophobia, or the fear of blushing is a severe condition that if not treated can compromise success in life. Career goals, academic achievements, and a healthy social life become the targets of this fear. However, hope is always available through treatment, particularly ETS which stands foremost as the most effective treatment. |
