Ways to Prevent Rosacea Flare-Ups

Rosacea is a common skin disease that mainly affects people who are over the age of 30. It erupts on the nose, forehead, chin and cheeks and may be accompanied by pimples and bumps. It can cause soreness and burning in the eyes.

Many people try to cover the rash-like ailment with makeup and feel that it undermines their self-confidence. Our trained technicians may be able to treat your rosacea and help your skin feel and look better.

Rosacea is often hereditary and seen in people who have very fair skin and who blush easily. The cause is not known, but it is not a bacterial infection. It is not caused by alcohol abuse, but drinking alcohol can worsen the symptoms.

Things that cause flare-ups are called triggers and usually are things that cause the blood vessels in the face to expand. Determining triggers may take some time and patients are encouraged to keep a diary of the things they do and eat to find out their individual triggers.

The most common triggers are:

• Excessive exercise
• Exposure to direct sunlight
• Exposure to wind
• Hot weather
• Spicy food
• Hot baths and showers
• Stress and anxiety
• Drastic temperature changes

If you have rosacea, there are things you can do at home to prevent flare-ups. Since each person may react to different triggers, it’s important to learn what your main triggers are.

During a consultation with our trained technician at Metro Dermatology, you can eliminate certain common triggers and focus on the ones that affect you.

The best ways to avoid triggers are:

• Avoid the foods that make your rosacea flair-up. According to the National Rosacea Society, some of the most common foods are citrus fruits, tomatoes, liver, yogurt, chocolate, soy sauce, vinegar and others.

• Avoid places that heat your face, such as a hot tub, excessively warm environments, hot baths and saunas. On hot days, wear sunscreen and a hat.

• Avoid strenuous exercise and try walking and bending. If you need to do strenuous workouts, try to break them up into several shorter workouts rather than one long one. Don’t exercise in a hot atmosphere either indoors or outdoors, and after the workout, cover your face with a cold cloth and drink plenty of water.

• Avoid certain cosmetics and skin care products that cause stinging

• Try to stay calm and relax as much as possible. Deep breathing exercises and yoga may help you avoid anxiety attacks that will cause rosacea flare-ups.

In very rare cases, rosacea may cause permanent damage to your skin. While it is not common, the facial skin may become thick and knobby bumps may appear on the nose, which may start to look swollen and waxy. However, these symptoms are rare and may not develop with early treatment.

Rosacea is a common skin condition on the face that may be uncomfortable and unsightly. However, by following a few easy suggestions, rosacea flare-ups can be greatly reduced or eliminated.

With locations in Elmhurst, Flushing, Englewood and the Bronx, Metro Dermatology can assist you in determining your main triggers to help you keep your flare-ups in check. Contact us today to schedule your appointment to learn more about your specific condition and ways to treat it.