erythrophobia

Erythrophobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an irrational and persistent fear of redness, which may pertain to the color red itself or to the experience of blushing. In practice, it is often described as a fear of blushing in social situations, though some references describe a broader fear of red areas or objects. The core feature is excessive anxiety triggered by redness, leading to avoidance or distress.

People with erythrophobia may experience panic-like symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, dizziness, shortness of breath, or a sense of impending loss of control when confronted with red stimuli or the possibility of blushing. These symptoms commonly provoke avoidance of social interactions, public speaking, photography, or other situations where redness might be visible, which can impair daily functioning.

Causes are thought to involve a mix of genetic vulnerability, early life experiences, and learned associations between redness and embarrassment. Cognitive biases, such as catastrophic interpretations of blushing as a personal failure, can reinforce the fear. Cultural beliefs about red or about attractiveness and propriety may also influence the development and maintenance of the phobia. Erythrophobia can occur independently or alongside social anxiety disorder or other specific phobias.

Diagnosis is typically made by a mental health professional using criteria for a phobia in the DSM-5, considering the duration, intensity, situational triggers, and level of impairment. The fear must be persistent, excessive, and cause significant distress.

Treatment commonly includes cognitive-behavioral therapy with exposure therapy, gradually confronting red stimuli or situations that provoke blushing in a controlled way. Cognitive restructuring, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness can help. Pharmacotherapy, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for comorbid social anxiety or generalized anxiety, may be used when appropriate.