With the holiday season coming up, many rosacea sufferers should take special precautions to prevent flare-ups when preparing festive meals, according to a new survey by the National Rosacea Society.

In the survey of 537 rosacea sufferers, nearly 80 percent said the task of cooking -- often associated with overheating or flushing from high temperatures -- had caused their rosacea to flare up. An overheated kitchen was the number-one culprit for 67 percent, and 57 percent were affected by the heat from a hot oven. Forty-seven percent were bothered by boiling or steaming foods and by cooking over a hot stovetop, while 41 percent found that cooking for long periods of time aggravated their condition.

For 74 percent of the respondents, taking preventive measures had successfully reduced their flare-ups from cooking. Nearly 60 percent of the respondents said they drink cool liquids to prevent flushing, and 55 percent said air conditioning had helped. Other preventive measures included using a fan (48 percent), preparing some dishes in advance (34 percent) and taking frequent breaks (32 percent).

"Staying cool in the kitchen means wearing loose, comfortable clothing, chewing on ice chips and dabbing my face and neck with a cold cloth," added one survey respondent.