Is Your Lifestyle Making Your Rosacea Worse?

Day-to-day habits are often so much a part of our routines that we don’t even notice them. But what if your habits are making your rosacea worse? Evaluating your lifestyle may be a good idea if you’re having flare-ups.

Rosacea is common, and symptoms range from frequent blushing to thickening, bumpy skin. Most people who have rosacea experience periods of more intense symptoms called flare-ups.

At Magnolia Dermatology, Samantha Robare, MD, and her team work with you to understand your condition and create a rosacea treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. April is Rosacea Awareness Month, and we’ve found that many people benefit from evaluating their habits and lifestyle to determine if simple changes, such as those below, can help reduce the number of flare-ups they experience.

The basics of rosacea

Before evaluating whether your habits could be worsening your rosacea, it’s helpful to know precisely what the condition is. Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition, and most of the signs appear on the face.

The most common symptoms are redness or flushing, easily irritated skin, and small bumps that resemble pimples. When it affects your eyes, it’s called ocular rosacea.

The redness associated with rosacea occurs when blood vessels near the surface of your skin dilate, allowing more blood to flow. Scientists don’t fully understand what causes rosacea, and although there is no cure, the condition can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.

Rosacea flare-ups are often associated with triggers, or conditions or substances, that worsen symptoms. Understanding your triggers and avoiding them is one of the best ways to limit your symptoms. Here are five common triggers to consider.

1. The sun

Summer is nearly here, and soaking up some sun may seem like an appealing idea. Unfortunately, if you have rosacea, there is a strong likelihood that UV radiation can worsen your symptoms.

We recommend avoiding the sun between 10 am and 2 pm, and using a good sunscreen to protect yourself. The National Rosacea Society recommends sunscreens with zinc or titanium dioxide.

2. Alcohol consumption

Alcohol both increases the chance of having a flare-up and may also increase the risk of developing rosacea in people who don’t have it. White wine and spirits are the most likely triggers. The more alcohol consumed, the greater the risk.

3. Stress

Stress can increase inflammation, and since rosacea is an inflammatory condition, it means that stress can be a trigger for flare-ups. Learning to manage your stress levels can be challenging, but it’s worth it.

4. Hot water

A nice, hot bath may seem like a great way to relax, but for those with rosacea, it could be a pathway to a flare-up. The heat can cause your blood vessels to dilate, leading to more flushing. Hot baths can also cause dry skin, which is easily irritated.

5. Spicy food

Even people who don’t have rosacea may flush after a spicy meal, so it shouldn’t be surprising to learn that spicy meals can trigger rosacea symptoms. The same chemicals that make food spicy cause your blood vessels to dilate.

Get personal guidance

The experts at Magnolia Dermatology can help you understand your personal triggers. If you have rosacea or suspect you may have it, schedule an appointment today.