Once a case of rosacea is brought under control (and during the treatment time period as well), the patient needs to identify and avoid flare triggers. Prevention is obviously the best approach and also helps ensure that antibiotic back-up treatments do not become ineffective due to shifting disease characteristics.
Almost all rosacea sufferers are sun sensitive and need to take great care in protecting the skin (especially facial skin) from exposure. A daily mild cleansing routine followed by the application of some type of sun screen is almost universal for those dealing with rosacea. A number of companies carry products for sensitive skin that include sun protection including Estee Lauder and Oil of Olay. Most patients can use these products though some may need to explore more natural options like those offered by companies like Mineral Secrets.
A high number of patients with rosacea also have difficulties with temperatures and particularly with heat. Though most activities are not limited, some may need to be modified to include some sort of temperature offset like extra air conditioning or at least breaks from higher than average heat levels. A brisk walk outside during the summer may be less healthy for a rosacea sufferer than a work out on a tread mill in a gym with moderated temperatures.
Other triggers noted by some rosacea patients include:
Stress—Almost any medical condition is complicated by stress, and rosacea is no exception. Although daily life and sudden life change stresses can’t be avoided, a good plan for and healthy approach to dealing with the inevitable challenges of life is important.
Overexertion—Any activity which causes physical stress can cause a facial flare. Patients dealing with rosacea may find that running hard and fast, mowing the yard, or even high energy vacuuming can cause facial coloration. Pacing strenuous activities and taking occasional breaks can help with these problems.
Diet—A healthy and balanced diet is important, but rosacea patients must be extra diligent. A general system problem can be quickly translated to skin problems in general and to rosacea flares in particular. In addition, some foods seem to bother those with rosacea. Hot and spicy foods, in particular, serve as triggers for many dealing with rosacea.
Alcohol—Though some rosacea patients can (and do) imbibe, many find that even one drink may cause a sudden redness which may progress to more serious rosacea problems. Both beer and wine tend to cause more problems as far as flares for rosacea patients, so mixed drinks in moderation tend to be more realistic.
Smoking—Nicotine is unhealthy to the system in general, but since it impacts on blood flow, it’s particularly troublesome for those suffering from rosacea.
Some patients also have linked flares to the following:
taking hot baths or sitting in hot tubs
drinking hot beverages (coffee, tea, cocoa)
using various skin care or make-up products
ingesting artificial sweeteners
eating very specific foods (hard cheese, sour cream, processed meats, tomatoes, chocolate, yogurt, soy sauce)
sleeping less than needed
exposure to pollen/mold (and other allergens)
Though patients (and doctors) do note some trends when it comes to triggers, individual reactions vary greatly. Some rosacea sufferers may react to noted triggers while others may not. Even an individual patient may note a problem with something one time and then not at a later time. Overall though, it’s usually possible to note and to avoid those activities and/or substances that tend to cause health problems.