Problem with blushing and blotchiness

anonomissus

I really hope someone can help because this problem is getting me down big time. Basically it started about 18mths ago totally out of the blue, I keep getting a big red blotchy rash all over my neck and chest in some social situations or if I am warm. Its a catch 22 situation because anxiety brings it on but because I am anxious about it happening, it does . I have been to the doc who wasnt helpful at all, I have tried makeup which makes me look like a mannequin and doesnt really work anyway. I used to be able to wear lowish cut tops and nice clothes, now I live in polo necks or scarves which is ok in the Winter but I am dreading the warmer weather. Please tell me someone else has been through this and might point me in the right direction. I am not looking for medical advice or anything, I just want to know is anyone else going through this too.

Musefan

Hey Anonomissus,

you say this started out of the blue? Can you describe a bit more about the first time it happened. How you felt when you noticed it, what you did, what happened?

Has anyone ever remarked on it, or is it something that only you have noticed. It must have been difficult for you to deal with such a sudden change in your appearance.

Have you always found social situations difficult, or has the difficulty arisen simply from what has happened to your skin?

Perhaps you need to think about how you observe other people. If someone you were having a conversation with suddenly developed red skin, do you think you would notice? What would you think is going through that persons head. Would you think differently about them, or do you feel it would be a big deal at all?

If you're feeling anxious, perhaps talking to someone you trust about this anxiety is something which could be beneficial. Take care!

pastorbarrett

I'm familiar with this. It's one of those things that's difficult to understand how debilitating it actually is unless you happen to suffer from it (I too remember fruitless trips to the doc).

I think you're someway to understanding how an episode occurs-it's a cycle between anxiety and the anticipated effect, and one may trigger the other i.e. this situation is somewhat threatening or fearful to me thus causing a blush, or feeling redness coming on and hence feeling anxious, further perpetuating blush/ anxiety...

Silly as it may sound, for a long time it seriously impeded upon my quality of life and personal happiness. OP, I'd encourage you to talk to a professional (someone like a cognitive psychologist) who'd be well equipped to identify why these episodes occur, their triggers, potential underlying issues etc. Daunting and scary, I know, but you deserve to live your life free from something that's so distressing for you. I know from experience that it is possible to get beyond this

araic88

I get a big red blotch on my neck sometimes too, not really from anxiety i don't think (i've been trying to figure out its cause) I thought it may be a necklace i was allergic too but sometimes still get it when wearing no jewellry :S I hope its not skin damage but I'm careful in the sun

Good luck, I hope you get yours sorted

shoos

Hi anon,

I get a similar big red blotchy rash on the centre of my upper chest, and a little on my neck.

I've no idea where it came from. I've got sunburnt in that area a few times but I'm hoping it's not related to that. I haven't sought medical help for it but I've just started to cover it up with makeup if I'm going on a night out (that's when it really flames, like you it goes red when I'm hot).

For makeup I use Vichy Dermablend - they have a foundation and a concealer stick, I'd recommend both. They're really, really strong coverage, designed to cover up scars/tattoos/skin conditions. Can set it with a translucent powder (Vichy also have one but I think it's quite expensive, any translucent powder will do really). It's worked for me. Lets me forget about the redness and just enjoy myself, so hopefully it will ease your anxieties about it.