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Rosacea is a skin condition that affects about 16 million Americans, causing skin redness, inflammation, spider veins, and acne-like breakouts that usually appear around the cheeks, nose, chest, or back. While anyone can develop rosacea, it typically affects people with fair hair and fair skin, along with people who have a family history of rosacea.
Most people with rosacea experience flare-ups when symptoms are much more noticeable and annoying. These flare-ups are often caused by specific triggers or stimuli that irritate the skin. Not surprisingly, avoiding those triggers plays an important role in rosacea management.
With offices in Arcadia, Miami, Bradenton, Homestead, Sarasota, Venice, Longboat Key, Bradenton, and Northport, Florida, and Midwest City, Oklahoma, Luminary Dermatology offers individualized treatment plans for rosacea. In this post, our team reviews some of the most common triggers, so you can take steps to avoid them.
Minimize direct sun exposure
Summertime can be an especially bad time for rosacea flare-ups, mainly because of the beautiful summer sunshine. Even though the warm rays feel good on your skin, the extra heat combined with UV exposure can cause rosacea symptoms to worsen.
To keep symptoms under control, limit sun exposure when you can and avoid outdoor activities during the middle hours of the day, when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Avoid extreme heat
Both outdoor and indoor heat make tiny vessels dilate, increasing flushing and irritation, and sweating can make symptoms worse, too. When the weather is very warm, head for air-conditioned environments when possible, and carry a towel and a bottle of cold water with you, too. A spray bottle filled with cool water can help you keep your skin cool during exercise and other activities.
Avoid extreme cold
While too much heat can make symptoms flare, too much cold isn’t good for your skin’s symptoms, either. Very cold weather can irritate your skin, especially if outdoor cold is accompanied by wind. Dressing in layers lets you stay warm while also making it easy to shed clothing if you get too warm.
Limit spicy foods and alcohol
Spicy foods can add a lot of variety (and some health benefits) to your diet, but they can also make rosacea symptoms worse. If you can’t avoid spices, try using less when you can. The same is true of alcohol: Drink in moderation, sip slowly, and try to avoid red wine, a common trigger for many people with rosacea.
Learn to manage stress
Having rosacea can be stressful on its own, but its symptoms can also be triggered by stress. If your symptoms get worse when you’re stressed out, try incorporating some relaxing activities into your daily routine to help you unwind. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help, too.
Avoid products that irritate skin
With thousands of skincare products on the market, choosing the ones that are best for your skin can be difficult. Our team can recommend skin care products that are a great match for your sensitive skin.
Learn how to manage your rosacea symptoms
Rosacea can cause other symptoms, like skin thickening and difficulties with your eyes and your vision. If you have rosacea, ongoing treatment is important for avoiding potential complications and staying healthy.
To learn more about rosacea treatments, like medication and light therapies, book an appointment online or over the phone with our team at Luminary Dermatology today.