Walking and hiking are great ways to exercise and enjoy the best that nature has to offer this summer. Before burning some sneaker rubber, consider these tips for reducing the rosacea triggers that might cross your path:

Forty-four percent of survey respondents said they experienced the most flare-ups with the arrival of summer.

Advance planning makes any vacation more successful, so when you make your travel reservations, don't forget to plan strategies to keep your rosacea under control. The following suggestions can lead to a more enjoyable getaway.

• Play it safe with prescriptions. You don't want to get stuck in a faraway place without your rosacea medication, so pack it in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost or delayed.

With the arrival of spring and summer, the need to beat the heat grows even more urgent for the many rosacea sufferers whose symptoms are triggered by high temperatures. Beyond the many tried-and-true measures, readers have shared additional ideas for keeping your cool whether outdoors or inside.

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.

While people often consider the warm weather and endless sun of summer true delights, new survey results suggest that many rosacea patients are likely to describe the season in much less glowing terms.

Nearly 85 percent of the 1,190 respondents to a recent National Rosacea Society (NRS) survey said their condition is affected by the change in seasons, and almost half said their symptoms are at their worst when the warm weather arrives. Forty-six percent also said they have to make the most lifestyle adjustments during this time to reduce the likelihood of a flare-up.

As summer heats up, more people are firing up the grill or pulling out the picnic basket. Here are some tips on ways to keep rosacea flare-ups under control while still enjoying an outdoor meal.

• Watch out for hot or spicy foods, which may cause flare-ups in many rosacea sufferers. Choose mild or fruit salsas, mild sausages instead of hot and watch the seasoning spices. Opt for seasoning with fresh herbs instead of anything in the pepper family.

Nobody likes to be on the hot seat. Yet that's where many with rosacea may find themselves this summer unless they take special care to prevent the common rosacea pitfalls of the hot season.

"The sun and hot weather both tend to exacerbate rosacea, and can make outdoor activities especially challenging for people with this condition," said Dr. James Del Rosso, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, University of Nevada School of Medicine. "Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to minimize these effects."

For many, summer is the most awaited time of the year with its promise of sunny weather and outdoor activities. Yet for 14 million Americans with rosacea, it may be a season of despair unless special precautions are taken to prevent rosacea flare-ups.

Summer is synonymous with outdoor barbecues and parties on the patio. While these warm-weather festivities are enjoyable, remember there is a diverse array of foods and beverages that may trigger a rosacea flare-up. Here are some common outdoor food items to avoid if they aggravate your condition.