Skin Care Guide
Skin Care Guide (US)
Acne Guide
Rosacea Guide
Psoriasis Guide
Fungal Guide
Herpes Guide
Psoriatic Arthritis Guide
Skin Cancer Guide
Botox Facts
Lice
Mild Cleanser
Cold Sores
Sweating
Mohs Surgery

Rosacea - Frequently Asked Questions

1. "Is Rosacea caused by food?"
Foods do not cause rosacea, but they can certainly cause flushing and make the inflammation worse.

Foods may aggravate many medical conditions, and we hope that the following information will be of help to you. The following are skin conditions that can be aggravated by food.

Physical heat in food can cause flushing by activating receptors in the back of your throat. Sipping, and swallowing slowly with care can reverse this type of flushing. Certain foods, especially the spicy ones, will produce flushing, by releasing histamine or niacin.

These foods include:
• White and black pepper
• Paprika
• Red peppers
• Cayenne pepper

The following foods have been reported by individuals to cause flushing, but such claims have not been substantiated (such reports are called anecdotal). If you have any experience with these foods causing facial flushing, we would love to hear your comments.

• Avocados
• Broadleaf beans
• Dairy products - sour cream, yoghurt, cheese
  (especially parmesan)
• Eggplant
• Chocolate
• Spinach
• Soy sauce
• Tomatoes
• Yeast extract
• Vinegar

2. "I don't drink, doctor."
Alcohol, especially red wine can cause facial redness. If you have redness on your nose because of rosacea, some people might mistakenly think it's because you drink too much alcohol. Many patients who are non-drinkers often worry about this.

3. "One doctor told me that I could not exercise"
Vigorous exercise often does flare rosacea because of the blushing. But that does not mean you can't exercise. Instead, try exercising in a cool environment for repeated short periods. Keep well hydrated and keep sipping ice water if possible. The benefit of exercise is clear, so every attempt should be made to do so in a manner that is least offensive to the skin.

4. "Do I have to give up coffee?"
Experts believe that the heat from the drink stimulates receptors in the back of your throat, and that produces the flushing, not the caffeine itself.

5. " Will it ever go away?"
Rosacea tends to be chronic, but good early therapy can mean very successful control. Repeated laser therapy can also reduce the intensity of facial redness.

6. "I have seen some horrible pictures of Rosacea."
It is true that rosacea can be severe in some people. Aggressive treatment nevertheless, when combined with lifestyle changes can achieve significant improvement. There is quite a spectrum of severity, and if you can, it's best to get treatment early on.

7. "Will my nose grow?"
Some people who have rosacea do develop a thick bulbous nose (rhinophyma). However, it is very rare and almost always occurs in men most often starting in middle age.

8. "Is it true that my eyelids and sore eyes could be due to rosacea?"
Blepharitis, which is an inflammation of the eyelids, is very common. Another common condition, called seborrheic dermatitis (an inflamed type of dandruff) also causes eyelid redness. Sore eyes can also be connected with rosacea.