The ingredients:
- Family and friends crowded under a single roof
- Mystery dishes and unidentifiable treats
- A very warm space
- Alcohol
- Cold, blustery weather
- The stress of social interactions
It can all add up to a rosacea flare-up at a time when you want to celebrate and look your best. Here are few ideas for minimizing the potential for flare-ups this time of year.
Take shortcuts. If you’re hosting a holiday party, try not to overexert yourself preparing for the big event. Try no-bake recipes, prepare food in advance, and ask friends or family members for more help. When visiting others, stay away from hot, spice foods.
Stay cool. Dressing in layers is a good idea when attending a party with a lot of people. While it’s likely to be cold outside, parties can quickly become hot and stuffy, and the ability to remove or add layers can help you regulate body temperature.
Make a fun non-alcoholic drink. Having a festive alternative to wine or cocktails will make it a lot easier to scale down alcohol intake at holiday social events. Consider making a fun non-alcoholic punch to share with others, with alcohol on the side for those who wish to partake. For yourself, try soda or tonic water with cranberry juice and a twist of lime, or cold apple cider with a squeeze of lemon and some seltzer water. Find more mocktail recipes on the NRS Pinterest board.
Follow your prescribed medical therapy. The stress of having so much to do could lead to an flare-up, so it is more important than ever to use your rosacea medication.
Put your feet up. Remember to slow down and take some time to relax and enjoy yourself!
See our Coping with Rosacea patient booklet for more tips for reducing flare-ups.
Photo courtesy of Scot on Flickr.