Face Facts: Tips for Managing Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. It causes facial redness or flushing, acne-like bumps and visible blood vessels on the skin. Rosacea typically affects the skin on your nose, cheeks, chin and forehead. It's more common in women than in men. In some people, rosacea also causes a thickened and enlarged nose and/or eye problems.

Because rosacea symptoms affect the face, they may also affect your self-esteem. But you can take steps to control these symptoms. Even though there is no cure for rosacea, there are ways you can help reduce and mask its effects.

Managing rosacea: plan for success
Aside from feeling better about how you look, there's another reason to take steps to reduce your rosacea symptoms. When left untreated, the symptoms can get worse. Talk to your doctor about medications or other treatment to help control rosacea.

These tips can help manage the condition at home.

• Avoid triggers. The first step toward preventing rosacea symptoms is to avoid triggers. Things that are known to trigger rosacea symptoms include:
• Sunlight. Always use a UVA- and UVB-protective sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 when you're outside. Also wear sunglasses, long sleeves and pants, and a hat with a brim.
• Stress. Practice stress-reducing techniques, such as yoga and deep breathing.
• Heat. Try to stay cool by bathing in lukewarm water and exercising when the weather is cool.
• Cold weather. Bundle up with scarves and other coverings.
• Alcohol and hot beverages.
• Certain foods. Some dairy products, citrus fruits, chocolate and hot and spicy foods trigger rosacea.
• Certain medications. Some blood pressure medicines and steroid creams can trigger symptoms.
• Use makeup. You may also want to try makeup with a green or yellow tint to cover flare-ups and redness. Make sure they are oil- and fragrance-free.
• Use gentle skin care. Avoid using very hot or very cold water to wash your face. Use mild, non-drying soap. Don't use rough sponges or washcloths on your skin. Stay away from skin care products that contain alcohol, witch hazel, perfume, astringents or exfoliants.

Simple self-care measures, such as gentle skin care and avoiding your triggers, will help ease rosacea symptoms and control flare-ups.

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External Sources Blount BW, Pelletier AL. Rosacea: a common, yet commonly overlooked condition. American Family Physician. 2002;66:435-440. Gupta AK, Chaudhry MM. Rosacea and its management: an overview. Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2005;19:273-285. Noble J. Rosacea. In: Textbook of Primary Care Medicine, 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Inc; 2007.

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