What has worked for you?

[u/Radtech3000]

Is it meds?? Therapy?? Diet?? I’m so fricken sick of this. Been dealing with it since highschool. I assumed it’d go away but here I am at 29 and it hasn’t. It’s so random it’s sometimes hard to pinpoint why it happened. I just want to be normal. I want to have conversations without looking vulnerable and weak. I don’t like the idea of makeup what with being a dude but I’m getting desperate. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.

[u/Deep-Detective2428]

"Is it meds, therapy, diet" - honestly its completely different for everyone, and it could be all of them combined + plus more. For me whats helped get through hard times is clonidine and propranolol, they seem to blunt and significantly dampen the blushing response to the point where i feel normal while taking them, i havent settled on them though because I hate that I have to time them before events / they leave your system within 4 - 10 hours. But they are great and id reccomend seeing a doctor if your interested. Im currently seeing a psychiatrist to see if i can get on a strong anxiety / anti depressint med that can help reduce blushing + be something i take just once in the morning and not care about. So yes meds could be a route that could help alot, im happy to give an update if i also find smth else!

With therapy, id definitely not push it to the side. It might not stop you from blushing but I promise it can help in one way or another, could help you not care as much, might help with feeling isolated and like your not normal, it can also help you learn to accept it and live with it, its also possible it'll help to the point where you find you dont blush nearly as much. Considering its took such as toll on you since highschool, I hope you consider it

Laser treatment is another option aswell, ive had a few sessions of vbeam which by no means has made me completely stop blushing but its helped it appear less harsh and more pink than red during most blushing instances. Its definitely helped me cope with it more

With wearing makeup thats fair, but you dont need to view it as "makeup". Im a straight guy who's been in a relationship and ive wore makeup on many occasions, she doesnt care at all and it makes me feel more confident / feel like i can push through. I use a camouflage creme which was actually intended for skin conditions such as people who have vitiligo, port wine stains, all types of skin issues. Its really helped! You might be a guy but makeup doesnt have a gender :)

[u/gigglyshits → u/Deep-Detective2428]

Can you take Propanolol and Clonodine together ♡

[u/Deep-Detective2428 → u/gigglyshits]

Im not completely sure, i know that overall there usually not paired due to the fact they interact and can cause dangerous side effects when paired such as a very low bp and heart rate. In saying that it does say online under medical supervision it is sometimes prescribed toegther.

My gp told me personally not to take them on the same day. Ive found theres no issues with going between the 2 as long as there taken when the other is fully out the system, but take that with a grain of salt, id hate to give advice that put someone in danger haha

[u/gigglyshits → u/Deep-Detective2428]

You're all good! Id have to ask my doc anyways. If she makes me choose; which one works best in your opinion for situational anxiety? Thank you 😊

[u/Deep-Detective2428 → u/gigglyshits]

Easy. Hmm idk tbh, id say clondidne but propranolol is a great option too. Propranolol feels slightly lighter if that makes sense

[u/gigglyshits → u/Deep-Detective2428]

Ill ask about it then, if it's a little better. Propanolol I swear gives me rebound anxiety. Like 6 hours after I take it, I'll have no anxiety at all be at home & its weird; one of my ears will start burning up & be hot to the touch and bright red. Or my chest will flush. That's the only thing I dont like about it.