Researchers have found in a small study that those with rosacea were more aware of and embarrassed by blushing than those without the disorder.1
Drs. Peter Drummond and Daphne Su, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia, monitored changes in forehead blood flow with laser Doppler fluxmetry in 31 rosacea patients and in 86 individuals without rosacea while singing, giving an impromptu speech and listening to recordings of these activities.
They found that changes in forehead blood flow were similar in both groups. However, rosacea sufferers thought they blushed more intensely and were more embarrassed during most of the tasks, and self-ratings of embarrassment and blushing were greater in those with severe than mild symptoms.
Increases in blood flow while singing were highest in rosacea patients with the highest blushing ratings, while increases in blood flow while listening to their recorded speeches were greatest in the most embarrassed participants.
Reference:
1. Drummond PD, Su D. Blushing in rosacea sufferers. Journal of Psychosomatic Research 2012;72:153-158.