diff --git a/src/st_stuff.c b/src/st_stuff.c
index 69c6e53d..732bd8ce 100644
--- a/src/st_stuff.c
+++ b/src/st_stuff.c
@@ -619,7 +619,7 @@ static void UpdateFace(sbe_face_t *face, player_t *player)
             boolean right = false;
 
             // [FG] show "Ouch Face" as intended
-            if (player->health - face->oldhealth > ST_MUCHPAIN)
+            if (face->oldhealth - player->health > ST_MUCHPAIN)
             {
                 // [FG] raise "Ouch Face" priority
                 priority = 8;
@@ -672,7 +672,7 @@ static void UpdateFace(sbe_face_t *face, player_t *player)
         // getting hurt because of your own damn stupidity
         if (player->damagecount)
         {
-            if (player->health - face->oldhealth > ST_MUCHPAIN)
+            if (face->oldhealth - player->health > ST_MUCHPAIN)
             {
                 priority = 7;
                 face->facecount = ST_TURNCOUNT;