The American Academy of Dermatology defines rosacea as a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects the face and sometimes the eyes, ears, neck, chest and back. Symptoms include redness, swelling and acne-like lesions. Researchers are now recognizing many dietary triggers associated with rosacea. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and avoiding known and possible triggers may help reduce your rosacea symptoms. RosaceaNet reports that the most common foods and beverages that trigger rosacea flare-ups are alcohol, spicy foods and hot beverages.
Food Journal
Healthy eating while managing rosacea begins with knowing your current habits and what needs changing. MedlinePlus.com recommends keeping a journal of any flare-ups that may occur and the activities preceding the flare-up. Keeping a food journal will help identify any foods that trigger your breakout. Over time, you may notice a pattern with particular foods.
Alcohol
RosaceaNet warns that beer and wine, especially red wine, cause the most flare-ups, while gin, vodka and whiskey were the least likely to cause inflammation. It is recommended when drinking alcohol to mix with water instead of soda or juice, as they can enhance the inflammatory response. Reducing alcoholic intake will reduce your risk of inflammation while improving your efforts of healthy eating.
Spices
When eating healthy, spices and herbs are commonly used to replace salt and oils. However, certain spices are known triggers for rosacea, such as chili powder, curry and any type of pepper. With nutrition labeling regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration, ingredients can be analyzed for spice content. Ingredients toward the beginning of the list are in greater quantities in the food item, and conversely, those toward the end of the list are in fewer amounts. Look for chili powder, curry and pepper on food labels to make sure their quantities are limited if not eliminated.
Hot Beverages
Reducing the amount of hot liquids from your diet will help minimize the possibility of a flare-up. If you are a daily latte or cappuccino connoisseur, this dietary change will also help reduce caloric intake. In a study published in the November 2007 issue of the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology," researchers evaluated skin sensitivity levels of pain and heat in patients with rosacea. What the authors found were lower thresholds of pain and heat in areas with rosacea than those without. Therefore, the areas of rosacea were more prone to sensitivity, especially heat, which may explain the inflammatory response from spices.
Latest Research
Adding fish to a healthy eating plan may slightly boost vitamin D intake. New research, published in the August 2008 issue of "Experimental Dermatology," explains the possibility that vitamin D-3 may be used in the treatment for inflammatory skin conditions, such as rosacea. The authors explain that within the skin are "antimicrobial peptides" that fight off bacterial threats to the skin. One, called cathelicidin, has been identified with rosacea. It functions to block bacteria and initiate an inflammatory response within the skin. The researchers have identified vitamin D-3 as a regulator of cathelicidin. They suggest that treatment blocking cathelicidin may be beneficial. More research is needed to determine how to target D-3 receptors. Although the sun is the primary source of vitamin D, it is found naturally in tuna, sardines and other fish in small amounts.
Considerations
The American Academy of Dermatology warns not to self-diagnosis or treat your rosacea at home. See a dermatologist for an evaluation if you suspect you may have rosacea. Vitamin D is fat-soluble and stored in the fat cells of the body; therefore, supplementation without physician observation is not recommended due to possible toxicity. Ask your doctor to test your vitamin D levels to see if you are at risk for deficiency.
