Q. Rosacea seems to affect my eyes more in the winter. Is there anything I can do?

A. Wind and cold temperatures may cause irritation and increase the watery discharge associated with ocular rosacea (eye symptoms)¹. Besides limiting time outdoors during winter, patients with ocular rosacea can protect their eyes from icy blasts by wearing ultraviolet protective glasses or sunglasses.

Patients with facial as well as ocular rosacea can also benefit from covering up with a scarf or wearing a ski mask to guard against the cold. In addition, using a moisturizer on the face can protect against the drying effects of cold and wind.

Q. Are flare-ups in any way related to hormonal changes? I've noticed my rosacea has been best during pregnancy and worst afterwards.

A. There are no studies demonstrating whether rosacea flare-ups are affected by hormones. However, some patients have reported changes in their rosacea during pregnancy, some for the better and some for the worse.

Rosacea flare-ups are often triggered by the hot flashes brought on with hormonal changes during or just before menopause. In these cases, rosacea may be a response to the flushing rather than a direct result of the hormonal change.

Associated Reference

1. Webster G. Eyeing ocular rosacea. Skin & Aging. 2002;10:51-52.