It’s not blush, acne, or an allergic reaction. If you’re one of the estimated 14 million people in America suffering from rosacea, you understand the struggle of explaining it to someone. This April, we recognize those affected by rosacea and raise awareness of this common skin condition. Read on for some ways to avoid rosacea flares and how you can gain better knowledge of your skin condition.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is characterized as a chronic skin condition that causes the areas around the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin to redden. Often, it will cause the blood vessels in your face to be visible and produce small, red bumps, similar to pimples.
Common triggers
Food and Drink: Common rosacea triggers include spicy foods, alcohol consumption, and caffeine. If you notice your rosacea starts to flare, it might be time to cut back on that spicy salsa or red wine!
Sunlight or UV Exposure: If you have rosacea, you may find that your skin is more sensitive than most. Within minutes of sun exposure, your rosacea can to flare and cause redness to the face. AAD.org recommends applying a gentle, fragrance-free broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher to help prevent rosacea flares.
Stress: Let’s face it, we all deal with everyday stress. Stress can also be contributing to your rosacea flares. To help prevent flares due to stress, try finding an activity you enjoy such as jogging, yoga, tai-chi, or meditation.
What you can do
The exact causes of rosacea are still unknown; however, there are certain measures you can take to help control flares. Everyone’s rosacea triggers are different, so paying attention to what’s triggering your rosacea can help you manage it.
Visiting a dermatologist is also important in developing an effective skin care plan tailored to your rosacea. A dermatologist can provide you with guidance for the best skin-care products and give you tailored management guidelines.
Texas Dermatology is dedicated to providing quality skin care for patients with rosacea. To book your appointment, call 210-829-5180 or click here.
