Common Rosacea Triggers
Treat Rosacea in Salt Lake City, South Jordan
If you have rosacea, you may struggle to manage the persistent redness in your cheeks. While a flushed face is the most common symptom, others include visible blood vessels in the cheeks, red or bulbous nose, acne-like sores, a stinging feeling in the face, and itchy or watery eyes. Rosacea is medically harmless, but it can make you feel very self-conscious.
One of the best ways to minimize your symptoms is to avoid rosacea triggers. Here are some of the most common sources of flare-ups among patients with this skin condition.
Weather-Related Rosacea Triggers
- High heat
- High humidity
- Cold weather
- Windy conditions
- Direct sunlight
Dietary Rosacea Triggers
- Alcohol, especially red wine, beer, bourbon, gin, vodka, and champagne
- Hot drinks such as hot chocolate, cider, coffee, or tea
- Spicy foods
- Dairy products, including yogurt, sour cream, and cheese (cottage cheese is okay)
- Chocolate and vanilla
- Yeast extract (bread is okay)
- Citrus fruits, tomatoes, bananas, red plums, figs, and raisins
- Vinegar and soy sauce
- Liver, eggplant, spinach, and avocado
- Lime beans, navy beans, and peas
- Pickled or fermented foods
- Cured meats
Emotional Rosacea Triggers
- High stress
- Anxiety
- Sudden changes in emotion
Lifestyle Rosacea Triggers
- Saunas and hot baths
- Chlorinated swimming pools
- Excessively warm environments
- Strenuous exercise
- Lift-and-load jobs
Medical Rosacea Triggers
- Some prescription drugs, including topical steroids, vasodilators, and others
- Chronic coughing
- Menopause
- Caffeine withdrawal
Skin and Hair Care Rosacea Triggers
- Cosmetics containing alcohol, witch hazel, or artificial fragrances
- Hydro-alcoholic or acetone products
- Substances that cause redness or stinging
Tracking Your Rosacea Triggers
We recommend writing down each trigger in a journal and recording how your skin responds after being exposed to each one. The National Rosacea Society has a trigger-tracking form you can print off for this purpose. Armed with an understanding of your triggers, you may be able to make changes to your daily routine that keep your symptoms under control.
Treatment Options for Rosacea
Unfortunately, rosacea doesn’t have a cure. However, in addition to avoiding your triggers, you can also pursue treatment options that make your condition less prominent. Some of these include Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) photorejuvenation therapy, Vbeam Perfecta Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL), and topical creams applied directly to the skin.
If you think you might have rosacea, or you’re eager to find a treatment option that works for you, please contact Swinyer-Woseth Dermatology in Salt Lake City, UT at 801-266-8841 to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists.