Q. I have heard that foods high in histamine may aggravate rosacea. What kinds of foods should I be watching out for?

A. Histamine is a natural substance produced by the body. It is also found in numerous foods that some rosacea sufferers may find aggravating to their condition. Foods containing histamine include cheeses; fermented foods and beverages such as wines, beer, vermouths, ciders and vinegars; some Asian foods; processed beef and pork; and canned fish products such as anchovies, tuna, herring, mackerel and sardines.

Q. My father had eczema on his hands and arms. Is there any connection between that condition and my rosacea?

A. No, nothing in the medical literature links rosacea and eczema. The two diseases may share some symptoms, but also have many differences. Rosacea is more common in fair-skinned individuals and nearly always affects the face only, causing redness, visible blood vessels, bumps and pimples and sometimes swelling of the nose from excess tissue. Eczema is more common in individuals with dry skin and can appear in various areas of the body, producing bumps and pimples, scales, crusts and scabs that can itch or burn.