Sun exposure stands at the top of the list for rosacea triggers, and if you suffer from rosacea, you may unknowingly be overlooking one of the biggest culprits for exposure in your day-to-day activities: driving! Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Stay calm. Stress is another top rosacea trigger, and during “road rage” your heart rate goes up, breathing accelerates, sweat production increases and your blood vessels dilate. Avoid a flare-up due to the stress of driving by practicing calming techniques.

• Keep the windows up. Driving with the windows down can be fun, but a potential flare-up from the wind may not be worth the risk. Keep the windows up and run the fan on low instead. Plus, glass can block UVB rays, and UVA-protective tint can be applied to the windows.

• Watch the internal temperature. High temperatures trigger symptoms in many patients. During the warmer months, keep cool by turning the air conditioner on. During the colder months, resist the urge to crank up the heater too high and opt for a hat and scarf in lieu of direct heat on your face.

• Sunscreen, then seatbelt. Protect your skin by applying sunscreen before driving, paying closer attention to areas of the face that are more exposed, and using the sun visor as an additional shield, adjusting as needed. Also keep sunglasses in the car to protect the eye area from irritation, particularly if you suffer from ocular rosacea. Those with wrap-around frames offer extra protection.