- Idiopathic craniofacial erythema
Idiopathic Craniofacial Erythema is a medical condition characterised by severe, uncontrollable, and frequently unprovoked, facial
blushing .Blushing can occur at any time and is frequently triggered by even mundane events, such as, talking to friends, paying for goods in a shop or asking for directions. The redness can take several minutes to dissipate leaving the sufferer feeling exposed and embarrassed.
Sufferers will often seek careers which do not ordinarily bring them into contact with others, especially the general public, and may have problems with relationships.
A link is frequently described between Idiopathic Craniofacial Erythema and
Social Anxiety Disorder .Other symptoms include excessive
sweating on the palms, feet and under-arm areas.Treatment
A number of treatments are available. The most successful non-invasive procedure is
cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which attempts to alleviate the anxiety felt by sufferers.In extreme cases a
surgical procedure known asEndoscopic Transthoracic Sympathicotomy (ETS) is available. Pioneered bysurgeons inSweden , this procedure has recently become increasingly controversial due to its many potential adverse effects. Patients who have undergone the procedure frequently complain of compensatory sweating and fatigue. ETS is now normally only considered in extreme cases where other treatments have been ineffective.See also
*
Anxiety disorder External links
* [http://www.social-anxiety.org.uk/puce/puce.htm Social Anxiety UK]
* [http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/sadhelp/nym.htm The New Yorker] - "CRIMSON TIDE - What is blushing?, No one knows for sure, but it can ruin your life" byAtul Gawande .
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