Rosacea is a skin condition in which the blood vessels just below the skin frequently swell, giving the skin a red flush and causing acne-like skin sores. Even though the cause of rosacea is unknown, dermatologists have noticed that the condition is most prevalent in women between the ages of 30 and 50 who are fair-skinned. If you suffer from this chronic skin condition, the best way to control your outbreaks is to identify and avoid certain triggers that can make your symptoms worse. To minimize your symptoms, you should:
Wear sunscreen every day.
Even in the winter months, exposure to the sun’s rays can aggravate your rosacea symptoms. When you’re outside, you should wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and try to wear a broad-brimmed hat to further shield your face from the sun. To protect your skin in the summer, limit the time you spend outdoors during the peak sunshine hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Reduce your stress.
If you’re like most people who suffer from rosacea, stress is one of your main triggers. Even though it can be difficult to avoid stress altogether, there are a number of stress management techniques you can use to help soothe your skin. When you feel your symptoms coming on, take a break from your daily activities, close your eyes, and begin to focus on something that makes you happy.
Avoid spicy food.
If you suffer from rosacea, limit your intake of spicy cuisine. The heat from spices and peppers can easily cause your blood vessels to swell and the surface of your skin to redden. There are a number of spice substitutes that you can use to enhance the flavor of your food without aggravating your rosacea. For example, you can combine a couple of teaspoons of cumin with a teaspoon of oregano to use in place of chili powder.
Do you suffer from rosacea? The staff at Arlington Dermatology can help you take control of your symptoms. For more than 40 years, we have provided patients with compassionate, personalized service. To schedule an appointment, call [company-phone id=1].