Q. My flare-ups seem to be triggered primarily by sun exposure. Will a good sunscreen be enough to prevent flare-ups or must I always wear a hat when outside?

A. Because sun exposure is a leading flare-up trigger for so many, using sunscreen with an SPF (sun-protection factor) of 15 or higher is recommended for most rosacea patients all year-round -- but it is also important to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible.

The same biochemical process that causes people to flush when alarmed or embarrassed may be linked to the development of rosacea, according to findings presented by Dr. Richard Granstein, chairman of dermatology at Cornell University, during the recent Society for Investigative Dermatology annual meeting.

In a report of one patient, cinnamon was potentially linked to an increase in severity of the patient's rosacea, according to a report in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.¹

Researchers Dr. Tracy Campbell and colleagues at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago reported that a woman with diabetes and mild papulopustular rosacea on the nose experienced a sudden spread of symptoms from her eyelids to her chin after using 500-mg cinnamon supplements to help control blood sugar levels.

In addition to complying with medical therapy, an important part of managing rosacea for many patients is to identify and avoid environmental and lifestyle factors that may trigger or aggravate their individual conditions.

Q. Are tanning beds better or worse than the sun for rosacea patients?

A. In a National Rosacea Society (NRS) patient survey, sun exposure ranked as one of the most common rosacea triggers. At the same time, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has conducted a public awareness campaign to warn against the dangers of indoor tanning.

According to a new survey of 1,261 rosacea patients by the National Rosacea Society, more than 83 percent are affected at least somewhat by exercise. Fortunately, of those who have modified their exercise routine because of this condition, 89 percent said this had reduced their signs and symptoms.

While many are aware that protection from sunlight is important to prevent skin cancer, rosacea patients have even further reason to minimize their exposure. In fact, beyond being the top trigger for rosacea flare-ups named by 81 percent of patients in a National Rosacea Society survey, researchers have found that sun exposure may be linked to the visible blood vessels (telangiectasia) often associated with rosacea.

A survey of 1,023 rosacea patients by the National Rosacea Society identified types of skin-care products and ingredients that commonly pose problems for rosacea sufferers.