Tips for Rosacea Sufferers

Sunday Times - 10th February , 1997

Although the following advice may help control the flushing of rosacea, it is important to remember that without proper treatment rosacea may worsen and can cause permanent damage to the skin.

Why avoid flushing?

Apart from being at times uncomfortable, and sometimes painful, each time flushing occurs, more damage is done to the blood vessels in the skin, which is why rosacea is a progressive disorder. The more blood vessels that are under the surface of the skin, and the more damaged those blood vessels, then the chances of flushing episodes increase and so does the duration of flushing.

Although alcohol doesn't cause the condition it certainly makes it worse

Food and drink:

Certain situations and types of food and drink may set off or increase the flushing of rosacea in some people. Once a diagnosis of rosacea has been confirmed there are certain tips gained from medical and personal experiences that may help other sufferers avoid episodes of flushing. By identifying the particular food, drink or situation that tends to trigger flushing it may be possible to reduce the number and severity of attacks.

Environmental:

Factors Exposure to sun, wind and sudden temperature changes should be avoided or reduced and the face should never be allowed to burn.

Hormonal Influences:

Menopausal flushing, will sometimes affect women in late forties and early fifties, can make rosacea worse, in which case hormone replacement therapy to control the flushing may be helpful.

Diet:

Certain foods and drink will cause flushing attacks in susceptible people. Being aware of those that are more likely to cause trouble will help some patients avoid troublesome combinations and triggers.

Stress:

Rosacea sufferers tend to flush easily in certain situations particularly those that cause nervousness, anxiety, tenseness or embarrassment. Use relaxation and breathing control techniques to help cope with stress. Gentle exercise can also help to relieve stress and unwind tension.

Drinks:

Alcoholic drinks should be limited. Alcohol doesn't cause the condition; but certainly makes it worse, Red wines, for example appear to aggravate the condition more than others. Caffeine in drinks has been found to exacerbate rosacea in certain people and should be avoided in such cases. It is important to drink 6-8 glasses of still mineral water each day.

Foods:

Spicy foods are the most likely to cause flushing, while some patients find fermented, pickled, marinated or smoked foods set them off. But not everyone will react to the same foods, the following have been found to cause flushing by some rosacea sufferers and should be considered as trigger factors if you have difficulty pin-pointing a cause. Liver, sirloin steak, yoghurt, sour cream, all cheeses (except cottage), chocolates, vanilla, soya sauce, yeast extract, dark vinegar, aubergines, avocados, spinach, citrus fruits, tomatoes, bananas, red plums, raisins and figs.

More Lifestyle tips:

There is evidence to suggest that a large percentage of rosacea sufferers do not make enough stomach acid and that incomplete digestion of food is the main cause of the condition. An attack can also be triggered by extreme temperature changes, bright sunshine, stress or the menopause. Alcohol, hot tea and coffee plus spicy foods, can also trigger flushing. Avoid all sugar-based and junk foods, along with dairy produce made from cow's milk. Use sheep's, goat's, soya, rice or oat milk instead and include plenty of low-fat, live yoghurt made from these milks in your diet. Tremendous benefits can be obtained from eating more raw or steamed organic vegetables and tofu, which all help to regulate hormone levels. Try cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, apple, carrot and spinach added to salads or make a daily vegetable juice. Every day, take at least 1g of vitamin C with bioflavonoids to help strengthen the blood vessels in the skin plus a B-complex often lacking in people with rosacea. Try liquid multivitamins and minerals, which are more easily absorbed, for at least six months and take a digestive enzyme with main meals to aid absorption further.

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