Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that leads to inflammation of the skin on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead and is characterized by redness, spider blood vessels, eruptions and swelling. Fair-skinned women who blush easily are more prone to this, otherwise harmless, condition. There is no cure for rosacea. Apart from reducing stress and sun exposure, avoiding foods that trigger the condition is a natural way of managing it.
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods, such as chili powder, hot sauces, horseradish and peppers, may aggravate rosacea, according to a survey published by the National Rosacea Society in July 2003. The results of the survey further revealed that hot sauce was the most common trigger amongst its respondents followed by chili powder and most respondents were more sensitive to red pepper than black pepper. Replacing these spices with milder ones, such as cumin and oregano, may be a good way to help control rosacea.
Hot Beverages
Hot beverages, such as coffee, tea and hot cider, may trigger rosacea in many patients. In fact, another survey by National Rosacea Society, published in Fall 2005, revealed that 33 percent of survey respondents were sensitive to hot coffee while 30 percent were sensitive to hot tea.
Alcohol
Although alcohol does not cause rosacea, it can worsen the condition by causing increased flushing in some individuals. The Fall 2005 National Rosacea Society survey found that 52 percent of the respondents were sensitive to wine, while beer was a trigger in about 30 percent of them.
Citrus Foods
Fruits and vegetables are generally well tolerated by most rosacea patients with exception to tomatoes, which triggered the condition in about 30 percent of the respondents in the Fall 2005 survey conducted by National Rosacea Society. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grape fruits and lemons, affected about 22 percent respondents. All such patients benefited immensely by avoiding the triggers.
Dairy Products
Food allergies to dairy products, such as milk, cheese and butter, may trigger rosacea that may last anywhere from a few hours to a day. As with other triggers, avoiding dairy products may help manage and prevent the condition.
