Patient surveys have shown that emotional stress is one of the leading triggers of rosacea's signs and symptoms. Especially as we head into the busy holiday season, here are some tips that may help you to cope.

• Learn to say no. Taking on more than you can handle is a sure-fire recipe for stress. Pare down your to-do list by dropping tasks that aren't true necessities.

From Thanksgiving through Super Bowl Sunday, rosacea patients are faced with family gatherings and parties that offer tempting food and drink -- some of which could trigger a flare-up. Here are some tips to minimize holiday distress:

• Avoid known food triggers. Identify and avoid foods that affect your individual case. Spicy foods, tomatoes and chocolate are some triggers identified in patient surveys.

The changing weather, combined with a social calendar packed with get-togethers and parties, can wreak havoc on rosacea. Here are some tips for navigating the upcoming holiday season successfully:

• Take care of yourself. A hectic schedule can lead to stress-induced flare-ups. Get plenty of rest, eat right, maintain a daily exercise routine and don't over-commit yourself.

Socializing can be intimidating any time of year for rosacea sufferers worried about flare-ups. The fast pace of the holidays can intensify the anxiety. Here are some tips to make "good vibrations" during this festive season.

• Don't minimize the importance of consistent medical therapy and lifestyle changes to avoid factors that may aggravate your individual condition. Patients who use medication as prescribed and avoid rosacea tripwires report the best success in controlling their symptoms.

If your rosacea makes it difficult to enjoy the holiday season, try focusing on things you can do to avoid flare-ups this time of year. Remember that many holiday-related activities -- eating spicy foods, drinking hot or alcoholic beverages, cooking in an overly warm kitchen, going in and out of stores in cold or windy weather -- can aggravate rosacea in many individuals. Emotional stress also often leads to a flare-up. So do what you enjoy during the holidays, but use good rosacea sense. Here are some tips to help keep your spirits high:

The holidays should be a time of joy and celebration, but avoiding flare-ups during this festive time of year may be a particular challenge for rosacea sufferers. Not only do social, family and financial pressures create stress, but the colder climate and holiday eating can impact your rosacea. Here are some tips to keep flare-ups to a minimum: