What Foods Affect Rosea?

Rosacea, formerly called acne rosacea, is an inflammatory skin condition involving the middle of the face occurs in adults, more commonly women. Patients with rosacea complain about flushing, itching, and sensitive skin. The disease manifests by redness, small, superficial dilated blood vessels, also known as telangiectasias and pustules. It affects up to 10 percent of the population. Longstanding rosacea results in growth of connective tissue at the end of the nose. The comedian W.C. Fields had this condition, called rhinophyma.

According to the journal "Postgraduate Medicine," rosacea causes and triggering factors including temperature changes, stress, alcohol, caffeine withdrawal and a wide variety of foods.

Foods to Eat

Individuals with rosacea have facial flushing made worse by foods that cause vasodilation. According to Healthy-Skin-Guide, foods that make rosacea better include whole grains, seeds, nuts, vegetables, fruit, chicken, fish and tofu. According to the International Rosacea Foundation, cherries, blackberries and blueberries vasoconstrict, which decreases redness.

Foods to Avoid

According to the National Rosacea Society, there are certain tripwire foods that can trigger rosacea, or make the condition worse. Individuals with rosacea should avoid hot drinks, spicy foods and alcohol, because they cause vasodilation. According to the journal American Family Physician, a survey of more than 400 rosacea patients showed spicy food triggered flares in 43 percent of patients.

Foods to avoid include vinegars, and peppers, including black pepper, paprika, red pepper and cayenne.

More Foods to Avoid

According to Healthy-Skin-Guide, some other foods that cause flushing include: tomatoes, spinach, lima beans, raisins, pasta, cheese, chocolates, liver, yogurt, vanilla and eggplant.