Rosacea patients often must take special precautions in caring for their sensitive skin. Here are some general guidelines:

• Treat your skin gently. Avoid rough washcloths, loofahs, brushes, sponges and hot water, especially hot showers.

• Let your face rest. After blotting your face dry, wait a few minutes before applying topical medication. Then allow the medication to dry for five to 10 minutes before applying any make-up.

The changing weather, combined with a social calendar packed with get-togethers and parties, can wreak havoc on rosacea. Here are some tips for navigating the upcoming holiday season successfully:

• Take care of yourself. A hectic schedule can lead to stress-induced flare-ups. Get plenty of rest, eat right, maintain a daily exercise routine and don't over-commit yourself.

The increase in body temperature brought about by exercise may lead to a flare-up for many rosacea sufferers. Yet abandoning an exercise routine is not the answer to this dilemma. Here are tips for minimizing exercise-induced flare-ups:

• Watch the forecast. In warm weather, outdoor exercise should be limited to early morning or evening hours to avoid the midday heat and sun. For activities such as walking or cycling, look for shaded trails instead of hot asphalt. Don't forget to wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher).

Many physicians report that spring is "rosacea season" because the effects of changing weather bring so many rosacea patients into their offices. Here are tips for minimizing the impact of seasonal changes on your condition:

If you're bothered by irritation, burning or a gritty feeling and redness in your eyes, you're not alone. Winter can bring a host of special challenges for rosacea patients, and the effects of dry eye head the list for many.

"Millions of people suffer from dry eye, and it accounts for 17 percent of all ophthalmologic visits," said Dr. Marian Macsai, chairman of ophthalmology at Northwestern University. "We definitely see more of it during the winter months because of the dryness of the environment, and it often accompanies rosacea."

Some surprises may be welcome during the winter months, but others you want to avoid at all costs -- like rosacea flare-ups. Truth be told, managing rosacea can be especially tricky this time of year, due to many factors. Here are some ways to keep your cool:

• Take care of yourself. Be sure to eat right, rest, exercise, plan sensibly, delegate and leave time to relax. Don't forget to use your "Rosacea Diary" to identify your personal triggers.

   

Because sun exposure was cited as the most common rosacea trigger by 81 percent of patients responding to a National Rosacea Society survey, it may be important to remember a few things over the summer when sunlight is at its height. Here are some tips for protecting yourself from the sun:

• Avoid the sun as much as possible. Limit the amount of time spent in direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when sun is the strongest.

Your table is ready...are you? To reduce the chance of a flare-up, know your personal food triggers and follow these tips:

The festive holiday season is approaching and, although it is a time of joy and celebration, rosacea patients must be extra diligent in avoiding flare-ups during this time of year. Here are some tips for getting through the upcoming holidays and keeping rosacea at bay:

As summer heats up, more people are firing up the grill or pulling out the picnic basket. Here are some tips on ways to keep rosacea flare-ups under control while still enjoying an outdoor meal.

• Watch out for hot or spicy foods, which may cause flare-ups in many rosacea sufferers. Choose mild or fruit salsas, mild sausages instead of hot and watch the seasoning spices. Opt for seasoning with fresh herbs instead of anything in the pepper family.