When rosacea patients think of triggers from foods or spices, they likely think of hot peppers as common rosacea irritants. However, there are other possibilities. A 2008 medical journal report, for example, noted the anecdotal case of a patient with subtype 2 rosacea who experienced a sudden spread of her symptoms after using 500-mg cinnamon supplements to help control blood sugar levels.

Sun exposure stands at the top of the list for rosacea triggers, and if you suffer from rosacea, you may unknowingly be overlooking one of the biggest culprits for exposure in your day-to-day activities: driving! Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Stay calm. Stress is another top rosacea trigger, and during “road rage” your heart rate goes up, breathing accelerates, sweat production increases and your blood vessels dilate. Avoid a flare-up due to the stress of driving by practicing calming techniques.

Identifying and avoiding things that trigger symptoms in your individual case can help you to control your condition. Here are three easy ways to start tracking:

Especially when under stress, a day of pampering at the salon or day spa can be a good way to relax and unwind. But if the itinerary includes a facial, it is important to take steps to ensure a positive experience.

•  Call ahead. Do a little research and find out if the salon or spa you are considering has licensed aestheticians who have worked with patients with skin conditions such as rosacea.

Regular routines often fly out the window when juggling the demands of a busy holiday season, but making time for yourself might be just what you need to ward off a rosacea flare-up. Here are some tips to help you navigate the weeks ahead:

•  Follow your prescribed medical therapy.  The stress of trying to do too much could lead to an outbreak, so it is more important than ever to use your rosacea medication.

Whether the occasion is a family wedding, a business dinner or a “night on the town,” the desire to look your best is the same.  Here are tips on how to avoid or cope with a flare-up that might otherwise put a damper on the festivities.

While most people are not intentionally cruel, sometimes they say things without thinking.  A joke about an alcoholic’s red, bulbous nose, for instance, can be particularly painful to someone who suffers from rhinophyma (thickening of skin around the nose).  Here are some suggestions for dealing with such situations.

While beer, wine or cocktails may play a role in many social events, rosacea patients who are prone to alcohol-related flare-ups often feel vulnerable when it comes time to raise a toast.  Here are some tips to help you feel more at ease when the drinks are flowing freely.

•  Avoid red wine.  Red wine and rosacea flare-ups go hand-in-hand for many sufferers and the best way to lessen the effects is to avoid it.

The stronger winds and cooler temperatures of autumn may trigger rosacea flare-ups.  Manage your rosacea and enjoy the season with some helpful tips:

•  Beat indoor heat.  Adjust your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting and use an indoor humidifier to prevent air dryness.

•  Combat the wind.  Use a scarf to protect your face.  For those with ocular rosacea, sunglasses with UV protection may be an option to protect the eyes.

Many spas, salons and clinics offer cosmetic procedures touted to make your skin look younger and healthier, but rosacea patients with sensitive skin need to be particularly aware of potential side effects.  Here are some tips to keep in mind when considering such treatment: