Rosacea and Flushing
This chronic skin condition can affect the face and sometimes the eyelids. Flushing seems to cause or worsen rosacea. Flushing can lead to lasting redness, red bumps or pimples, enlarged spider-like surface blood vessels or rarely swelling.
Women and men get rosacea. Yet men may have more severe cases. It often affects people between the ages of 30 and 50. People who are fair skinned are more likely to have rosacea.
There are prescription treatments available. You may discuss these with your doctor. The treatments may help to control symptoms but nothing cures rosacea. It is important to identify and minimize triggers of flushing. Triggers are not the same for every person. Knowing and avoiding your triggers will help to prevent flares.
Flushing triggers:
Certain Foods and Drinks
- Alcohol (red wine, beer, bourbon, gin, vodka, champagne)
- Hot drinks (hot cider, hot chocolate, coffee, tea)
- Avocados
- Broad-leaf beans and pods (lima, navy, pea)
- Citrus fruits (tomatoes, bananas, red plums, raisins, figs)
- Cheese (except cottage cheese)
- Chocolate
- Eggplant
- Liver
- Sour Cream
- Soy Sauce
- Spinach
- Vanilla
- Vinegar
- Yeast Extract (bread is okay)
- Yogurt
- Spicy and thermally hot foods
- Foods high in histamine
Emotional Influences
- Stress
- Anxiety
Physical Exertion
- Exercise
- Lift and load jobs
Temperature related
- Saunas
- Hot Baths
- Simple overheating
- Very warm environments
Weather
- Sun
- Strong winds
- Cold
- Humidity
Medical Conditions
- Menopause
- Chronic Cough
- Caffeine withdrawal
Medicines
- Vasodilators (niaspan)
- Topical Steroids (even mild ones like hydrocortisone)
- Inhaled Steroids
Skin care products
- Some cosmetics and hair sprays. Avoid those that contain alcohol, witch hazel, acetone or fragrances.
- Any product that causes redness or stinging.
- Avoid washing your face with harsh soap, hot water, a wash cloth or other rough items.
If you have questions or concerns please call your health care provider.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 10/09/2008
Copyright © 10/09/2008 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6786
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