Stress is one of the most common causes of rosacea flare-ups, according to patients. A recent National Rosacea Society survey delved deeper into the nuances of this top trigger, revealing the frequency and causes of stress that many people with rosacea report as problematic.

We often think of flare-ups occurring due to stress or weather, but they can also spring up in the midst of normal day-to-day activities around the home, according to Dr. Estee Williams, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. 

“As a rule, rosacea skin is sensitive skin,” explained Dr. Williams. “Because rosacea skin is so hyper-reactive, it is tough to predict what will set it off. From the moment you wake up to the time you hit the sack, triggers abound.”

The majority of rosacea patients experience an outbreak of symptoms at least once a week, but even greater numbers cite medication and trigger avoidance as effective tools in controlling those flare-ups, according to results of a new National Rosacea Society patient survey.

Q.  Certain activities trigger mild, short-lasting rosacea outbreaks on my cheeks and/or nose.  The outbreaks are not severe enough to make me stop these activities, but if I keep doing them could the flare-ups get worse?

A.  This aspect of potential rosacea triggers has not been studied, so it is unclear whether repeated exposure makes subsequent flare-ups worse.  Physicians have observed, however, that the signs and symptoms of rosacea tend to become increasingly severe without medical treatment and proper care.

While physical exercise may be a common rosacea trigger, the right changes in routines can reduce the likelihood of a flare-up, according to results of a new patient survey by the National Rosacea Society.

More than 80 percent of the survey’s 563 respondents said exercise aggravates their rosacea signs and symptoms.  Aerobic exercise in general (also known as cardio) was cited as the most aggravating, mentioned by nearly 55 percent of the patients.  This type of exercise increases the demand for oxygen, resulting in higher respiration and heart rates.

Although sun exposure may be the most common rosacea trigger, patients who take steps to protect their skin when outdoors have been successful in reducing rosacea outbreaks, according to a new National Rosacea Society patient survey. Virtually all of the 739 respondents said they make an effort to shield their skin from the sun, and 88 percent of those said their efforts had been successful or somewhat successful in reducing their rosacea flare-ups.

Although emotional stress is reported to be one of the most common rosacea triggers, effective stress management can lead to a reduction in the number of stress-related flare-ups, according to results of a new National Rosacea Society (NRS) survey.

Q. I keep seeing advice on how to prevent a flare-up, but not how to treat one. When I wake up in the morning and my face is covered in red bumps and pustules, is there any treatment that provides immediate relief?

Q. My flare-ups seem to be triggered primarily by sun exposure. Will a good sunscreen be enough to prevent flare-ups or must I always wear a hat when outside?

A. Because sun exposure is a leading flare-up trigger for so many, using sunscreen with an SPF (sun-protection factor) of 15 or higher is recommended for most rosacea patients all year-round -- but it is also important to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible.

Summer can be a troublesome time for rosacea sufferers, as avoiding some of the most common rosacea triggers -- the sun, hot weather and humidity -- requires special attention. Follow these tips for a successful summer season.

• Know your triggers. If you have identified the lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to your flare-ups, you have a better chance of controlling your condition.