The similarities between shyness and excessive blushing are well documented. Blushing is a sign of ambivalent arousal that is often triggered by situations in which one is at risk of negative evaluation. Blushers also feel the urge to flee when facing an exposure situation, but the social consequences of fleeing can cause them to stay instead. In addition to these physiological similarities, blushers also exhibit a similar level of shame.
While there is no clear cause of social anxiety, researchers have suggested that physiological blushing is involved in the development of social apprehension. Early social BI, as well as blushing, are important factors in predicting the development of SAD. Physiological blushing in children may also be a significant determinant of the onset of SAD. Nonetheless, studies on the etiology of childhood social anxiety are needed to establish a causal relationship between physiological blushing and SAD.
There is some evidence that surgery for social anxiety disorder is associated with compensatory sweating. However, this is an irreversible side effect, which is the main reason why surgical treatment is a last resort for blushers. Surgery should be used only if all other methods have failed, as it may result in a rebound condition in which compensatory sweating replaces the missing portion of the nerve.
Another study showed that blushing contributes to SAD symptoms in childhood, and a later study by Rapee and Hudson found that blushing also plays an etiological role in the development of SAD. Blushing in children may begin around age four due to a fear of being negatively evaluated by others. Consequently, the uncomfortable feeling of a hot face may signal to them that the situation is potentially dangerous, and the person should avoid the situation.
The similarities between blushing and shyness go beyond the physical differences between the two. In humans, blushing can be triggered by certain environmental conditions, such as alcohol or heat, or by specific dermatological conditions. Blushing, on the other hand, should be called blushing. The two differ in the psychological component. Blushing is accompanied by feelings of embarrassment and disrupts mental functions.
Although it may seem that blushing is a panhuman emotion, it differs by ethnicity, skin color, and social class. The UK is the world's largest blusher, but other countries, like India, Australia, and Canada, exhibit varying levels of blushing. Similarly, in a recent study by Casimir and Schnegg (2002), red was associated with shame in 78 different languages.
There are several similar exercises in the treatment of excessive blushing. In one exercise, patients make a list of ten different social situations. The list is arranged in increasing order of threat, with the least threatening item first. The exercise is meant to train the patient to focus on the task at hand. Later, more complicated exercises are assigned as homework. During the next session, the patient's therapist can discuss how to apply the exercises.