Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for primary facial blushing

The condition

Blushing is when the face reddens. This is usually because of strong emotions like embarrassment or stress, which trigger a rush of blood into the skin on the face. In some people, blushing can be severe and frequent and affect their everyday life.

Medication can be used to treat blushing. If someone blushes because they are anxious, behavioural therapy can help. If neither of these work, surgery on the nerves that cause the blushing is an option. The surgery may be done as open surgery or using an endoscope. Endoscopic surgery is now usually preferred because there is less scarring and recovery is quicker than with open surgery.

NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) may be a good place to find out more.

NICE has looked at using endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy as a treatment option. Click on to the next page to find out more.