If your rosacea makes it difficult to enjoy the holiday season, try focusing on things you can do to avoid flare-ups this time of year. Remember that many holiday-related activities -- eating spicy foods, drinking hot or alcoholic beverages, cooking in an overly warm kitchen, going in and out of stores in cold or windy weather -- can aggravate rosacea in many individuals. Emotional stress also often leads to a flare-up. So do what you enjoy during the holidays, but use good rosacea sense. Here are some tips to help keep your spirits high:

• Start by taking care of yourself to keep stress under wraps. Eat right, get enough rest and relax. Try not to worry about every detail, and delegate some of your tasks to ease pressure.

• Watch out for rosacea triggers. Enjoy holiday parties but limit your intake of alcohol or spicy foods if they affect your rosacea. Also watch out for thermally hot beverages.

• Cover your face with a scarf when running in and out of stores in cold or windy weather. Consider wearing a moisturizer as well.

• Keep cool in the kitchen by using proper ventilation to avoid becoming overheated during those many hours of baking and cooking. Sip a cool drink. Keep a cool, damp towel nearby to pat your face. Take a break in a cooler part of the house when you can.

• Be sure to follow the medical treatment program prescribed by your dermatologist. During the holidays more than ever, proper care may be essential to keep rosacea under control.