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Managing rosacea can be challenging, beginning with diagnosis. Because this common skin condition causes redness and pimple-like bumps, you might think you have a case of very stubborn acne — but rosacea is different, which is why having a skin evaluation should always be the first step in keeping symptoms under control.
Luminary Dermatology is a top provider of rosacea treatment, combining medication and other advanced therapies with lifestyle guidance aimed at reducing uncomfortable flare-ups. In this post, our team reviews some of the most common triggers and simple steps you can take to get a handle on your rosacea.
Rosacea basics
Effective rosacea management begins with a general understanding of the condition and the triggers that can make symptoms worse. While researchers have a good understanding of the condition’s symptoms, they still aren’t sure what exactly causes rosacea.
The most probable culprits are immune system dysfunction and genetics. Tiny skin mites might play a role, too. These mites are present on everyone’s skin, but researchers theorize that they may occur in higher numbers in people with rosacea, triggering irritation and inflammation.
While the underlying cause is still being debated, scientists do know that rosacea symptoms can be exacerbated by specific triggers, such as sun or wind exposure, alcohol consumption, temperature changes, and even spicy food. Rosacea affects everyone differently, and keeping track of your flares can also help you pinpoint which triggers affect you the most.
Simple tips to manage rosacea
Knowing what triggers your rosacea plays a critical role in managing your symptoms. While you can’t control genetics, there are steps you can take to limit irritation and inflammation that underlie rosacea breakouts.
Make sun protection a priority
Florida is known as the Sunshine State for a reason — lots of bright sunlight to warm your days and, unfortunately, irritate your skin. Wearing sunscreen on a daily basis is important for everyone, but if you have rosacea, it’s critical. Also wear a wide-brimmed hat and seek the shade whenever possible, avoiding the sun completely during midday when rays are strongest.
Use gentle skin products
A good skin care routine is important when you have a condition like rosacea, but you don’t want to strip away protective oils. Look for gentle cleansers and avoid products with drying ingredients like alcohol and with fragrances or dyes.
Watch your diet
Spicy foods and alcohol can add interest and zest to your diet, but they also trigger rosacea symptoms in some people. If you suspect your food choices are causing flare-ups, try keeping a food diary to track any symptoms you experience after eating consuming foods or drinks.
Practice stress management
Managing stress isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the extra effort to find a solution when your stress triggers rosacea symptoms. Deep breathing exercises and meditation are great stress relievers, but so is engaging in any enjoyable activity that helps you relax. Try to work a little downtime into your everyday routine to keep stress — and its effects — at bay.
Keep it cool — but not too cool
Florida’s hot weather can make it more challenging to manage rosacea symptoms, so it’s even more important to make an effort to keep your environment cool and dry. Don’t overdo the air conditioning, though, because it can be drying — and that can make symptoms worse, too. Aim for a comfortable temperature while avoiding extremes at either end.
How we can help
When the above tips aren’t enough to get a handle on your rosacea on your own, it’s time to schedule a dermatology visit. Our team can evaluate your skin, confirm your rosacea diagnosis, and address other problems that could be making your rosacea worse.
We may prescribe medications to calm the inflammatory response in your skin and even help keep skin mite populations under control. We can also discuss light-based therapies focused on reducing inflammation that causes pimple-like breakouts and makes tiny blood vessels more visible.
Rosacea benefits from an ongoing, personalized management plan. To learn how our providers can develop a plan just for you, book an appointment at Luminary Dermatology in North Miami Beach, Miami, Homestead, Sarasota, Venice, Longboat Key, Bradenton, North Port, Florida.