If you live with rosacea, which causes redness on your nose, chin, forehead, and cheeks, you’ve probably noticed the triggers that lead to flare-ups. These triggers can include some foods, emotions, weather, or skin care products.
Once you identify your particular rosacea triggers, you can make the changes necessary to avoid things and circumstances that aggravate your condition and worsen your symptoms.
Dr. Richard Blanchar, medical director at Bayview General Medicine & Aesthetics in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, can help you identify your unique rosacea triggers and recommend effective treatments that clear your skin.
Although everyone experiences rosacea differently, here are some common triggers you should consider.
Common rosacea triggers fall into several categories, including:
A survey by the National Rosacea Society found that of more than 1,000 rosacea patients, many shared some common factors that resulted in flare-ups and symptoms. Sun exposure is the most common rosacea trigger, one that affected 81% of patients surveyed. Emotional stress was the next most common trigger for 79% of people who participated in the survey. Hot weather triggered rosacea in 75% of participants.
The same survey discovered that more than 50% of people with rosacea experience flare-ups from wind, alcohol consumption, exercise, and hot baths. Spicy foods, humidity, and cosmetic products are also common rosacea triggers.
You can identify your rosacea triggers in several ways. The National Rosacea Society recommends that you keep a food diary and log symptoms that you feel after eating particular foods. Also, jot down the activities, weather, and other conditions that occur just before you have a rosacea flare-up or notice symptoms, including flushed facial skin, visible blood vessels, and red acne-like bumps.
Keeping a journal or record can help you identify and avoid your particular triggers. For instance, if you experience a flare-up when you’re outside, be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat to shield your face from the sun.
If you have severe rosacea, simply avoiding triggers may not provide the relief you seek. However, a combination of anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and laser and light therapies can reduce the number and severity of flare-ups.
Identifying your triggers is the first step toward effective rosacea management. Dr. Blanchar can customize a rosacea treatment plan that helps keep your skin clear and comfortable long term.
Give us a call at 954-776-6992, or use our online scheduling tool.
