Erythrophobia is a fear of blushing, or more specifically, blushing of the facial skin. It is a psychological disorder, but not a mental illness in the classical sense, even though the involuntary and vegetatively controlled blushing of the skin is experienced as unpleasant and can also be very distressing.
What is erythrophobia?
The term erythrophobia is a word composed of two syllables from the Greek language. “Erythros” means “red” and “phobos” means “fear,” so erythrophobia is a fear of blushing that can be acute or chronic. Some people suffer from this anxiety disorder only in certain phases of their life, others the blushing fear accompanies the whole life, if not treated in time. Very often, those affected remain silent for a long time about their tendency to blush quickly and also do not confide in the doctor. This is because blushing is still not generally socially accepted. The public often equates a person’s blushing with shame, being caught or lying. The affected person may be so internally blocked in the corresponding situations that he is no longer able to speak even one word. This, unfortunately, reinforces the fears once again, creating a kind of vicious cycle of blushing, inner tension and embarrassment.
Causes
Most people affected by embarrassing blushing try to fight it with all their might by simply imagining inwardly that they are not blushing. However, this cannot be successful, because impulsive facial blushing, also called flushing, is a strictly vegetative reaction that, like the heartbeat, precisely cannot be influenced at will. Erythrophobia should not be confused with classical phobias such as fear of spiders or fear of heights. These are usually easier to treat. The cause of psychological erythrophobia is a so-called fear cycle. A situation perceived as unpleasant or negative thoughts lead to the self-perception of blushing. Then thoughts of danger and threat arise, even if no threat is objectively apparent. This is followed by psychological anxiety with avoidance and withdrawal tendencies. If the fear cycle persists for a longer time, physical changes also develop in the neurons, which in turn maintain the fear cycle. In this chronic phase, therapy is then considered particularly difficult.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Although symptoms, complaints, signs of erythrophobia are predominantly psychological, physical causes must still be ruled out. Behind the skin redness could also be rosacea, couperosis or a tendency to excessive sweating. The blushing is often perceived by those affected as an impulse rising from the stomach, which seems uncontrollable and becomes independent in its feeling. If the person then fights against it inwardly, the result is an even more violent and faster blushing. Often, even small things in everyday life are enough to lose hard-earned self-confidence again. The erythrophobia can be accompanied by violent inner tension and restlessness, also blood pressure fluctuations often occur in the process, because due to the misregulation of the hormonal system, the body switches to the so-called flight and attack mode with an increased release of stress hormones from the adrenal cortex. The blushing can occur geographically, for example, only on the ears, areal or in the form of so-called hectic spots. In addition to the face, the décolleté, neck area or the back of the neck are often affected. Rapid blushing is also called blushing, slow blushing is called flushing and permanent blushing is called permanent course. In psychological practice, this type of differential diagnosis can be important for follow-up.
Diagnosis
It is not true that dark-skinned people would not blush, they blush as well as light-skinned people, but it is just not so obviously visible. If affected people suffer from a social phobia at the same time, i.e. a fear of meeting or contacting people, then an early diagnosis is particularly important in order to recognize withdrawal tendencies or even suicidal behavior in time. The diagnosis should be made by a psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist after a thorough physical examination and the exclusion of organic causes.In the international classification of the ICD registry, erythrophobia is still not listed as a separate clinical picture.
Complications
Without treatment, it is possible for erythrophobia to worsen. Other anxiety disorders such as social phobia or agoraphobia may develop. A common complication associated with erythrophobia is avoidance of situations in which the individual believes he or she will blush or in which blushing may be perceived as particularly embarrassing. Social impoverishment and withdrawal are common consequences, which can vary in severity. Other psychological disorders may also develop if erythrophobia is not treated. Isolation, shame, and feelings of inferiority, for example, can contribute to the development of depression or promote relapse. Compulsions develop in some people who suffer from erythrophobia. These often serve (initially) to reduce anxiety. Control compulsions are particularly common: the sufferer may frequently check his or her face in reflective surfaces or look for other clues to possible blushing. The constant checking may extend to other areas. This behavior may be misinterpreted by outsiders as vanity. In addition, affected individuals may appear dismissive or disinterested by checking glances at their reflection. Conflicts with friends or family are also possible as a result. Many sufferers also suffer from the consequences of erythrophobia at work – for example, when they do not dare to speak to others as a superior or do not actively participate in team discussions. Occupational restrictions can develop from this.
When should you go to the doctor?
As a rule, erythrophobia does not always need to see a doctor. The condition can be treated through various exercises or therapies. However, if the affected person suffers from severe limitations in everyday life due to erythrophobia, a visit to a doctor should be made. This is especially the case if the disease occurs due to traumatic experiences. A visit to a doctor is necessary when the patient suffers from blushing or heavy sweating in many situations. Usually, these symptoms cannot be predicted or prevented, so the affected person cannot control the blushing by himself. Also an inner restlessness or a permanent tension can lead to erythrophobia and should be examined. Fluctuations in blood pressure can lead to real health problems and must also be investigated. The first diagnosis of the disease can be made by a psychologist or by a therapist. Treatment is also usually carried out by these doctors. In many cases, erythrophobia can thus be limited. However, a completely positive course of the disease cannot always be predicted.
Treatment and therapy
Crucial to the success of therapy for erythrophobia is the unconditional will of the patient to engage in what is often a protracted treatment with setbacks. Furthermore, therapy must be given as early as possible, even before physiological structures in the brain have changed. In psychotherapy, there is no known valid method for safely overcoming erythrophobia. However, revealing conversational psychotherapy, participation of affected persons in self-help groups, as well as psychodynamic and behavioral therapies have already been able to help many affected persons to cope with the symptoms in a tolerable way. In cases of therapy resistance, a special form of surgery, the endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy, can be helpful after strict indication. However, it is only considered for patients who are suicidal and have completely cut themselves off from the outside world.
Outlook and prognosis
In most cases, erythrophobia can be cured relatively well. No particular complications occur, and early diagnosis and treatment always have a positive effect on the further course of the disease. In some cases, self-healing can also occur, although this is usually rare. If erythrophobia is not treated, those affected suffer from severe blushing and further excessive sweating. Fluctuations in blood pressure can also occur with this disease and have a negative effect on the quality of life of the affected person.Should erythrophobia occur over a longer period of time, the condition can also lead to social discomfort, with children and adolescents in particular experiencing difficulties. Since the treatment of erythrophobia is usually carried out in the context of psychotherapy, the further course and the success of the treatment depend strongly on the manifestation of the disease and on the patient’s own attitude. As a rule, however, the disease is cured. The patient’s life expectancy is not negatively affected by the disease.
Prevention
Often, erythrophobia is triggered by a childhood trigger. If parents notice increased involuntary blushing in their child, they should not be afraid to seek advice from a psychiatrist. This is because early therapy can prevent the development of an anxiety cycle and thus the onset of erythrophobia in adulthood.
Follow-up
Options for aftercare are only available to the affected person with erythrophobia to a very limited extent. The patient is primarily dependent on direct and medical treatment of this condition to avoid further complications. Since it cannot come to an independent healing, an early diagnosis of this disease is very important in the first place. The treatment itself is usually carried out with the help of medication and through therapy with a psychologist. The affected person should pay attention to the regular intake of the medication, whereby interactions or side effects should also be taken into account. In the case of children, it is above all the parents who should check that the medication is being taken correctly. Even after successful treatment of erythrophobia, most sufferers are dependent on continuing to take the medication. Since erythrophobia is a psychological disorder, loving and intensive support of the patients also has a positive effect on the course of the disease. Patients should be integrated into the lives of other people, as they often isolate themselves from others. Contact with other sufferers of erythrophobia can also be useful in this regard, as it can lead to an exchange of information, which can make everyday life easier.
What you can do yourself
There are no treatment methods available that prevent blushing one hundred percent. However, sufferers can learn how to blush less frequently. There is also the possibility of eliminating the fear of blushing. First of all, sufferers should stop considering blushing as a disaster or shame. Along with that, it is advisable to accept one’s flaws and weaknesses. Affected people should always allow themselves to blush. Especially the thought of just not blushing triggers exactly the opposite. Panic arises, which leads to blushing. Affected persons should not forbid themselves this characteristic or even hide it. It is better to get used to blushing and react positively to it. It is useful to tell yourself that it is okay. It will pass quickly. Sufferers should always repeat these words when they notice blushing. In addition, it is beneficial to strengthen one’s self-confidence. Those who take this to heart and do not judge themselves will be less afraid of blushing. It also helps sufferers learn to perceive blushing as less embarrassing. This in turn has the effect of making them blush less as a matter of principle. The exercises take some time, but the success is worthwhile.
