Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes small, red, pus-filled bumps to appear on your face. Other rosacea symptoms include a burning sensation in your eyes, visible small blood vessels on your nose and cheeks, facial flushing and the development of a red, bulbous nose. While the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, certain triggers may dilate your blood vessels, increase blood flow to the surface of your skin and negatively affect your condition. There is no cure at this current time, but knowing which foods aggravate your condition may help ward off any potential flares.
Hot Foods and Drinks
WomensHealth.gov advises people who have rosacea to limit or avoid foods and drinks that are hot in temperature because they can exacerbate the condition. Hot foods and drinks can dilate the blood vessels in your face and cause you to have a red flushed appearance. Allowing your hot foods and drinks to moderate in temperature before eating or drinking can help you prevent future flares-ups of rosacea.
Spicy Seasonings
Certain spicy seasonings and condiments can dilate the blood vessels in your face and aggravate your rosacea. SkinCare Physicans.com advises that curry, cayenne pepper, red pepper, white pepper, black pepper and chili powder, and condiments such as hot sauce, soy sauce and salsa can cause facial flushing. Some meat marinades and vinegars may also intensify your rosacea symptoms. Decreasing your consumption of spicy seasonings may alleviate some of your rosacea symptoms.
Alcoholic Beverages
If you have roascea, avoid or limit your alcohol consumption; it may cause your condition to flare. According to SkinCare Physicans.com, red wine and beer top the list of alcoholic beverages that may trigger facial redness and flushing, but mixing any type of alcohol with soda or juice instead of water can aggravate rosacea. Prevent your rosacea from flaring by combining gin, whiskey or vodka with 6 oz of very cold water. These alcoholic beverages are less likely to exacerbate your condition.
Citrus Fruits and Juices
If you have rosacea, citrus fruits and juices can aggravate your condition. Citrus fruits contain histamine, a protein that can cause inflammation in the body. When histamines are released in your body, fluids accumulate in your skin, causing it to swell. Other fruits that contain histamines include apricots, cherries, cranberries, currants, dates, loganberries, nectarines, peaches, pineapples, prunes, red plums, raisins, figs and raspberries.
Dairy Products
Eating dairy products may cause your rosacea to flare. Avoid or reduce your intake of cheeses, yogurt and sour cream because they can cause facial flushing.
References
- WomensHealth.gov: Foods to Avoid with Rosacea
- Rosacea.org: Coping With Rosacea
- Healthy-Skin-Guide.com: Foods to Eat for Rosacea
- SkinCare Physicans.com: RosaceaNet -- Rosacea Triggers -- Food and Drink -- Tips for Monitoring Your Diet
- International Rosacea Foundation: Symptoms of Rosacea
- MayoClinic.com: Rosacea
