The chronic, relapsing nature of rosacea makes it a particularly vexing disorder to keep under control. Flare-ups, seemingly unpredictable, can be stressful. By observing certain lifestyle modifications, you may be able to ensure long-term success in managing your rosacea symptoms.
Identify Your Triggers
While no lifestyle modification is foolproof, the following tips may help you prevent or minimize flare-ups:
- Identify your rosacea triggers (Consider using a diary to track your symptoms)
- Protect your skin from the sun. Use sunscreen every day that you’re outside, even when it’s overcast. Choose a sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher, and make sure it blocks ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB).
- Protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses that protect your eyes from UV rays.
- Moisturize your skin during cold and windy weather.
- Control indoor temperatures. Keep the environment indoors comfortable but not too warm in the winter, as indoor heat can trigger your symptoms.
- Avoid consuming foods that make you flush. Spicy food is often cited as the cause of rosacea flare-ups.
- Avoid or reduce consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Avoid or stop smoking
- Avoid heated drinks like coffee, hot chocolate, cider, and tea pose another risk for rosacea sufferers. Consider cool alternatives such as iced tea.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
- Be gentle when washing your face or applying skin care products.
- Make modifications to your exercise regimen. Try taking a break every 15 minutes to allow your body to cool down, exercise during cool parts of the day, avoid running on pavement, and drink cool fluids during exercise.
Ten Face Savers
To control rosacea outbreaks or reduce their severity, try the following suggestions:
- Clean your face gently no more than twice a day with Cetaphil cleanser or the medicated cleanser prescribed by Dr. Minars
- Avoid hot showers, baths or saunas.
- Stay cool on hot or humid days (air conditioning and sip ice water).
- Avoid the sun.
- Switch from blades to an electric razor.
Read more from “10 Face Savers: Tips for Keeping Rosacea Under Control” from Todd Minars, M.D. of Minars Dermatology.
Rosacea Diary
Keeping track of your rosacea symptoms can help you better understand what relieves or worsens your rosacea. A rosacea diary is a convenient way to keep track of food, activities, weather, and other factors that may cause rosacea flare-ups. You and your dermatologist can use the diary to discuss what to do to control your symptoms.
Rosacea and Itch
Some people complain that the skin affected by rosacea itches, tingles or burns. Touching the skin can make these symptoms worse. The itch can be triggered by overly dry skin, harsh skin care products. If you have overly dry skin, consider the following:
- Avoid standing or sitting near heaters or open fires. The heat can quickly dry the skin.
- Turn down the thermostat.
- Use a humidifier. Regular use of a humidifier can help alleviate cracked, irritated skin when the air is dry.
- Wash with lukewarm, not hot, water.
- Select skin care products that are not overly drying or irritating. Try to avoid the following ingredients (alcohol, eucalyptus, fragrance, menthol, peppermint, or witch hazel).
- Avoid rubbing, scratching the skin
- Avoid using topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. While corticosteroids can bring immediate relief, they can lead to long-term worsening of rosacea. As soon as the topical corticosteroid is stopped, inflammation usually returns with a worsening of the inflammation. Additionally, long-term use of topical corticosteroids can cause side effects, such as thinning skin, stretch marks, and visible capillaries.
Whether you have been bothered by the itch of rosacea for years or just recently noticed that your rosacea is beginning to itch, be sure to see your dermatologist, who may consider the need for a medication, such as pramoxine. Appropriate treatment can lessen the itch of rosacea.
