Face Turns Red When Embarassed/Nervous?

Question

My face turns red whenever I'm embarrassed or nervous. For example, when I'm presenting something my whole face turns red and my ears. Its annoying and I don't know how to control it. Sometimes it turns red when I'm not even embarrassed or nervous. I don't think its rosacea, but I really don't know what it is. I want to know if there is a solution. I'm hoping there is because I don't plan to go to college with this problem where I'm most likely going to have to take public speaking classes!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Ava T. Shamban, MD · Answer

It sounds like you have Rosacea. It is a very common skin
condition that affects millions.  There are several treatments for Rosacea
-- they range from topical prescription creams to antibiotic pills to in-office
laser treatments.  All are effective depending on the type of rosacea and
your board-certified dermatologist can help you decide which is best for you.

Bruce Saal, MD · Answer

Dear Pamjam8,
Not to worry. There are solutions for rosacea that can help with the facial flushing, which is perhaps one of the more embarrassing components of rosacea. The redness and flushing can usually only be partially controlled with a topical vasoconstrictor. The only one on the market today is "Mirvaso" and is a prescription drug which usually lasts about 6-8 hours after application. See your dermatologist for more detailed instructions and to see if it's the right type of medication for you. 
Best of luck! 
Dr. S

Praven Chetty, MD · Answer

Dear pamjam8:

Sounds like your rosacea is precipitated by anxiety which is not uncommon.  Treatment options for rosacea vary from topical, oral, IPL and laser treatments.   It is best to see a skin care expert who can safely guide you along your treatment plan.  Best wishes.

Ronald Moser, MD · Answer

Rosacea, is a common
condition of redness, coarse skin texture and the  presence of
telengiectasias ( tiny broken capillaries)  on the face. Flushing -- or as we say , " anything that makes you flush or blush", can also be a sign of Rosacea!  Ask you health-care provider next time you are in . The good news is that these
signs and symptoms can be readily treated with a variety of lasers. 
IPl lasers ( such as the LimeLight)  will reduce the overall redness and
flushing and vascular lasers such as Cutera's Coolglide will more selectively
treat the more vessels  and improve the skin texture.

Face Turns Red When Embarassed/Nervous?

Answers (8)

Answer: Red Face of Rosacea

Answer: Red Face of Rosacea

Answer: Facial Redness

Answer: Facial Redness

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Face Turns Red When Embarassed/Nervous?

Answers (8)

Answer: Red Face of Rosacea

Answer: Red Face of Rosacea

Answer: Facial Redness

Answer: Facial Redness

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.