Why do we blush?
We blush when embarrassment, shyness or strong emotion triggers the nervous system to widen blood vessels in the face, sending more blood to the skin and making it look red.
Blushing is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, the same system behind the fight-or-flight response. When we feel embarrassed, adrenaline is released, and blood vessels in the cheeks, ears and neck widen. The skin there has many small blood vessels close to the surface, so the extra blood flow is easy to see.
Charles Darwin called blushing the most peculiar and most human of all expressions. Scientists think it may serve a social purpose, signaling that a person recognizes they made a mistake and feels sorry. Studies suggest people who blush after a social mistake are seen as more trustworthy and are more easily forgiven.
Hard to control
Blushing is involuntary, so trying to stop it often makes it worse. Some people blush very easily and may feel anxious about it. In severe cases, called erythrophobia, people fear blushing so much that it affects their daily life, and therapy can help.
Did You Know?
People can blush even when they are alone, simply by remembering an embarrassing moment.
This answer is general information, not medical advice. For a personal health question, talk to a doctor.