Summer is synonymous with outdoor barbecues and parties on the patio. While these warm-weather festivities are enjoyable, remember there is a diverse array of foods and beverages that may trigger a rosacea flare-up. Here are some common outdoor food items to avoid if they aggravate your condition.

• Salsa goes well with chips but may not complement your face. Hot spices cause flare-ups in many rosacea sufferers and tomatoes were the most cited vegetable responsible for flare-ups in a recent survey. Check the heat level of your salsa before tasting. Choose mild salsa or avoid it entirely if you are sensitive to it.

• Marinated meats on the grill are popular in summer but can affect some rosacea sufferers. Try seasoning meats with mild spices or by adding smoked or mesquite wood chips to your fire. Also, before you fire up the grill, protect your face from the heat. Sip on a cold drink or chew on ice chips while you cook.

• Drinks on the patio don't have to be alcoholic, especially for rosacea sufferers, who have identified wine, hard liquor and beer as common rosacea triggers. Sodas mixed with juice can also be a refreshing treat.