It Works for Me: Patient Tips

Physical Activities

Lukewarm Showers

Since I can’t eliminate exercise, I make sure I take a lukewarm shower as soon as possible after a work-out. If I need to do manual labor outside, such as gardening or mowing the lawn, I do it in the early morning, when it’s relatively cool and not too sunny, and I then take a lukewarm shower immediately afterwards. If I can’t get in the shower right away, then I’ll splash my face a few times with cool water.

Let Someone Else Cook

My husband suggested that, since my flare-ups occur in the evening, they may be related to cooking. He volunteered to start cooking and after a week or so I rarely have evening flare-ups, when previously I was having them every night for 1-2 hours with varying severity. Along with him doing the cooking, I stay out of the kitchen while the stove is on, we open the kitchen windows and use the vent.

—Kostendena K.

Spray Mist While Excercising

I exercise on a recumbent bike -- and use fan and water spray bottle directly to face. Adopting this has meant I do not go bright red, perspire excessively and get facial bumps.

Stay Hydrated

Stay hydrated with water – when I’m dehydrated my rosacea (redness and pimples) appear and are exacerbated. Improves over the day as I re-hydrate and stay hydrated.

— Cindy B.

Ice Cubes

Patient recommendation for using ice cubes to calm rosacea symptoms.

Cucumber Slices

To help reduce flushing, I apply cucumber slices directly to the flushed skin. I use English cucumbers, peeled and sliced very thin. The thin slices conform to the skin contours much better than thicker slices. I apply the cucumber and leave it in place until nearly dry. Cucumber has a cooling effect that seems to exceed the effect one would expect from moisture alone. I keep a small container in the refrigerator and take one along when traveling. I pack a small paring knife in a checked bag when flying.

— U.

Subscribe to Physical Activities

The National Rosacea Society has not verified the effectiveness of any of the submissions in this section and does not endorse, promote or recommend any particular medications, products, equipment or treatments. The information the Society provides should not be considered medical advice, nor is it intended to replace consultation with a qualified physician. Rosacea may vary substantially from one patient to another, and treatment must be tailored by a physician for each individual case.

Our Mission

The National Rosacea Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of people with rosacea by raising awareness, providing public health information and supporting medical research on this widespread but poorly understood disorder. The information the Society provides should not be considered medical advice, nor is it intended to replace consultation with a qualified physician. The Society does not evaluate, endorse or recommend any particular medications, products, equipment or treatments. Rosacea may vary substantially from one patient to another, and treatment must be tailored by a physician for each individual case. For more information, visit About Us.