RosaceaNet Article
Dermatologists’ Tips for Fall: Rosacea

Fall brings relief for many people with rosacea. Cooler temperatures and reduced humidity in areas across the United States mean less chance of becoming overheated. Even in the fall, it is important to be wary of rosacea triggers and to avoid your own personal triggers. These dermatologists’ tips can help your skin feel better this autumn.

1. Continue to practice sun protection. While the days are getting shorter, sun protection is still essential. A survey conducted by the National Rosacea Society found that sun exposure was the most common trigger among those surveyed.
   
   Be sure to limit your exposure to the sun, wear sunglasses that protect your eyes from both the UVA and UVB rays of the sun, apply a broad-spectrum (offers UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day, and wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat.
    

2. Heed cool-down strategies. You can still become overheated when the temperature drops. Activities such as raking leaves, baking a pie, and exercising can cause you to overheat. Cool-down strategies that can help keep a flare-up at bay include:

• Dress in layers so that you can remove a layer if you get warm.

• Dissolve ice cubes in your mouth.

• Drink cold water or a sports drink.

• Keep a spray bottle of cool water close by and mist yourself as needed.

• Drape an ice pack or cold towel around your neck.

• Dab your face and neck with a cool cloth.

• Carry a portable, batter-operated fan and extra batteries so you can cool down anywhere.

• Wear sweatbands soaked in ice water.

• Take a cool shower.

3. Moisturize if your skin starts to feel dry. When the humidity drops, skin can feel especially dry. A gentle moisturizer can help your skin feel better. Look for a moisturizer than does not contain alcohol, eucalyptus, fragrance, peppermint, or witch hazel. According to a survey conducted by the National Rosacea Society, these ingredients are more likely to aggravate rosacea. If you use a topical rosacea medication, let this dry before applying the moisturizer. If you cannot find a moisturizer that does not irritate your skin, be sure to ask your dermatologist for recommendations.
    

4. Avoid getting too close to a burning fire or stove. The first fire of the season can be alluring. Remember not to get too close as getting overheated triggers rosacea for many.
    

5. Keep the thermostat low. A bit of heat on a chilly autumn night feels great. To avoid becoming overheated, be sure to keep the thermostat low — just enough to take the chill out of the air.
    

6. Avoid steam, saunas, hot showers, and hot baths. Staying cool helps keep rosacea from flaring. Since steam, saunas, and hot water all increase blood flow, these are best avoided.
    

7. Wear loose layered clothing. This allows you to stay comfortable because you can remove layers as needed to prevent overheating.
    

8. Limit hot beverages and alcohol. Heated beverages, such as hot cider, coffee, and tea trigger rosacea for many people. Drinking alcohol also can trigger rosacea. If any of these trigger your rosacea, be sure to limit your consumption or avoid the beverages that cause your rosacea to flare.

References:
National Rosacea Society, “Ingredients May Aggravate Rosacea.” Rosacea Review, spring 2005. Available at: http://www.rosacea.org/rr/2005/spring/article_5.html. Last accessed: August 23, 2005.

National Rosacea Society, “New Survey Pinpoints Leading Factors that Trigger Symptoms.”
Rosacea Review, summer 2002. Available at http://www.rosacea.org/rr/2002/summer/article_3.html. Last accessed: August 23, 2005.
 

An educational program brought to you by the American Academy of Dermatology.