Rosacea Triggers to Watch For

Rosacea is a common skin condition that appears on the face as red, small, pus-filled bumps that look similar to acne. This chronic skin condition causes facial redness, visible blood vessels, as well as a burning sensation on the affect skin. More severe symptoms of rosacea include thickening of the skin that causes a bulbous appearance around the nose, broken blood vessels, enlarged pores, and eye symptoms such as burning or stinging sensations, dryness, sensitivity, cysts on the eyelids, and other eye problems.

Living with rosacea can be difficult, as it can affect your self-confidence and make you feel insecure. There are a variety of treatments available to treat rosacea symptoms, though there is no cure for rosacea. Treatment options at our Westerville dermatology clinic may include laser treatment or oral antibiotics, as well as working with you to identify potential triggers.

While dermatologists don’t know what causes people to develop rosacea, our board-certified dermatologists are here to help you identify triggers and provide recommendations to alleviate rosacea symptoms during a flare up. Recognizing what triggers your rosacea is the first step to help prevent flare-ups.

With proper treatment and help from our team, you can reduce the symptoms of this chronic condition.

Here are some things to avoid to reduce your rosacea flare ups:

Environmental Factors That Affect Rosacea Symptoms

Sun Exposure

The sun’s UV rays are a huge trigger for rosacea. That’s because the blood vessels near the skin’s surface dilate suddenly in patients with rosacea, increasing blood flow and promoting flushing and redness. Try to stay out of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and if you do go out, always wear a high SPF sunscreen.

Heat and Cold

The sun in the summertime has already been noted, but rosacea flare ups can happen in the cold weather months, too. The heat from the furnace can trigger a reaction, as can sitting in saunas or hot tubs. Stay in air conditioning as much as possible when it’s hot out, and cover your face with a ski mask or scarf to avoid the winter chill.

Lifestyle Factors that Affect Rosacea Symptoms

Exercise

Rigorous exercise is a rosacea trigger for many, as it elevates your heart rate and causes increased blood flow to the skin that results in flushing. If you exercise outdoors, aim for a time of day that’s cooler like first thing in the morning or at dusk.

Alcohol

Alcohol does not cause rosacea, but it can trigger it. At the top of the list is red wine, but white wine, beer, champagne, and hard alcohol like whiskey and vodka are also major causes.

Hot Beverages

Drinks like hot tea or coffee cause the blood vessels to expand, causing flushing and persistent redness. If you need that cup of joe to start your day, consider icing it to prevent flare ups.

Do You Suffer from Rosacea Symptoms?

While the cause of rosacea is unknown, there are treatment options that can help alleviate rosacea symptoms. With a personalized treatment plan, our board-certified dermatologists can help alleviate persistent symptoms of this chronic skin condition.

To learn more about living with and treating rosacea, or if you’re interested in any of the other dermatologic services we provide, contact Westerville Dermatology online or by calling 614.895.0400 today to schedule an appointment.