Bring in the Fall, but Not the Flare-ups

Posted on: By: nrs-admin

While the arrival of fall may bring on a familiar nostalgia as the weather cools down, the wind picks up, kids go back to school and the leaves start to change, it can be a particularly challenging time of year for those who suffer from rosacea to guard against flare-ups.

The stronger winds and cooler temperatures of autumn are known to cause facial redness and inflammation. Add the stress of back-to-school time and new work/family schedules, and many may fail to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. The colder temperatures may also mean swapping iced drinks for hot, steamy beverages -- another potential trigger of rosacea flare-ups. And while summer called for an increase in protection from the sun, indoor heat may now be the new environmental culprit.

Manage your rosacea and still enjoy the fall season by combating the above triggers with some small but helpful tips:

  • Beat the indoor heat by adjusting your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting and use an indoor humidifier to prevent air dryness.
  • Combat the effects of wind by using a scarf to protect your face. For those with ocular rosacea, sunglasses may be an option to protect the eyes from the wind.
  • Let hot drinks cool down before enjoying them to prevent the redness and flushing associated with hot liquids. A study1 found that drinking either hot coffee or hot water, each heated to 140 degrees, caused facial flushing but the same liquids at room temperature did not.
  • Plan and prep meals whenever you have down time to ensure you are getting a balanced, consistent diet throughout the week.
  • Maintain your skin care routine by sticking to a twice daily face washing schedule. If your skin tends towards dryness, add additional, non-irritating moisturizer to your regimen to combat the warmer but dry indoor air. Also be sure to continue using sunscreen, as sun exposure continues as a common rosacea trigger year 'round.
  • Manage stress by taking time out of the day to relax. Meditate, or try yoga for a calming workout.

 

1. Wilkin J. Oral thermal-induced flushing in erythematelangiectatic rosacea. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 1981;76(1):15-18.