Did you know there are more than 3 million cases of rosacea per year in the U.S. alone? Rosacea is a skin condition that causes red patches and visible blood vessels on the face and is most common in people over the age of 35-50, although younger people can also be affected. There is no cure for this skin condition, however, if left untreated, rosacea symptoms can get worse, causing permanent redness, acne-like breakouts, and even burning or stinging. This is why it is important to see your dermatologist if you have symptoms of rosacea, and start to recognize your triggers so you can learn to avoid them.
Medications
Your dermatologist may recommend some topical treatments to reduce your symptoms. This can be gels, creams, or lotions, and it might take several weeks before you see your symptoms improve. Topical treatments usually have mild side effects, if any, which is why your doctor will most likely encourage you to try these before prescribing any oral medications. Oral medications have a greater risk of causing side effects like sun sensitivity, allergic reactions, or an upset stomach. Oral medications are typically used to treat flushing and redness, and the acne-like breakouts caused by rosacea. There are also laser therapy treatments to reduce redness and visible blood vessels.
Prevention
In addition to these topical/oral medications your dermatologist may suggest, there are also many common triggers for flare-ups that can be looked for and avoided. Some examples of these triggers are sun exposure, stress, extreme temperatures, large amounts of alcohol, spicy foods, hot beverages, and certain skin products. The key to preventing flare-ups is recognizing your triggers, and trying to limit or avoid them as much as possible.
How to Avoid Triggers
There are many possible triggers for rosacea flare-ups, which can seem daunting, but there are ways to avoid and limit these triggers. If you find that stress is one of your triggers, you can frequently do activities that will help you relieve your stress. Some common stress relievers are exercising, listening to music, creating artwork, or even meditating. Another common trigger is alcohol, with red wine being the biggest culprit. Try to avoid alcohol if you find that it is one of your triggers, or limit your intake to 1-2 drinks with a cold glass of water in between. A final example is if hot beverages seem to worsen your symptoms, try drinking iced coffee/tea, or let your drinks cool down before drinking.