Sun, emotional stress, spicy foods, red wine -- these words might be well known to rosacea patients as they have been reported as common rosacea triggers. However, every individual case is different, and what affects one person may not bother another at all. In addition to medical therapy, identifying and avoiding what triggers symptoms in your individual case can go a long way in helping you control your condition. Here are three easy ways to start tracking:

The NRS Rosacea Diary Booklet

The NRS provides members with a Rosacea Diary booklet to help track and identify their triggers. The diary helps patients track weather conditions, food and beverages consumed, lifestyle activities and compliance with medical therapy, as well as the state of their condition each day to learn their personal triggers. Members receive a copy of the 16-page diary as well as other educational materials as part of their tax deductible donation. Join the NRS today.

Use Your Smartphone

Rosacea flare-ups can come when least expected and sometimes at the wrong time, when you are not prepared to deal with them. Even if you don’t have your rosacea diary nearby, it’s likely that you do have your cell phone. Take a selfie and make a note in your phone of your symptoms. (Many models include a built-in note taker tool or you can likely download an app.) Include the date, time of day and any other variables like weather conditions, temperature, emotional stress and food or beverages consumed to help you identify any patterns that you can watch out for in the future.

Tell a Friend

Tracking and avoiding your triggers requires effort but will be beneficial in the long run. Tell a friend, spouse or others close to you about your goal to better manage your rosacea. Ask them to help support you along the way, such as by checking in on your progress, reminding you to track your condition or even just by serving as a listening ear. Two heads are better than one; by sharing your findings, your friend may also help you spot triggers you might be overlooking.