MedClick

Many people try not to reveal what they are feeling, but what can you do when your own face gives you away? Shame, embarrassment or pressure may cause one to go red as a beetroot within seconds, as an intense blush floods the cheeks and turns the face red, without any external heat being involved. You ask why we blush and what benefit may be reaped from such an occurrence.

Blushing is a phenomenon which combines a physical reaction with social behaviour. It is an involuntary, reflexive reaction that is part of the "fight or flight" phenomenon which is characteristic of the nervous system in times of duress. This reaction causes a massive release of adrenalin, causing elevated blood pressure, an accelerated heart rate and a rush of arterial blood flow. As this reaction occurs, the small blood vessels (capillaries) in the face expand, increasing the blood flow to them. The result is reddening, especially in the cheek and ear areas.

The "fight or flight" phenomenon is an evolutionary leftover, which is effective for animals, but humans are in effect "stuck" with it. Even Charles Darwin, the forefather of evolutionary theory, was unable to solve the mystery of blushing - why does one blush when ashamed, embarrassed or pressured, while the same phenomenon does not exist at all in animals? Scientists today agree that blushing is an evolutionary residual which is unique to the human species.

Nevertheless, why do we blush specifically in the face? It is simply due to the fact that the face contains more minute blood vessels per square millimeter of skin than any other part of the body. Facial blood vessels are also larger in diameter and closer to the skin. Thus, any increased blood flow to the face is more apparent to any observers.

How can we conceal the blush? You probably already know the answer. Simply try to relax, envision far away exotic places or think about something you love. A sense of calm reduces the secretion of adrenalin, blood vessels return to their original diameters and the blush subsides within moments.