Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by a redness of the face. The redness may appear as acne-like lesions, a generalized flushing of the cheeks, nose and forehead, or the development of spider veins. Some people who have rosacea experience a thickening of the skin around the nose, or bloodshot eyes. Rosacea is a chronic disease; episodes may be triggered by a number of factors. Caffeine can cause outbreaks for some people.
Heat and Caffeine Connection
You might be inclined to think that your rosacea symptoms are exacerbated by your morning up of coffee or tea. The heat of the beverage is the more likely culprit, according to the National Rosacea Society. The NRS cites a study published in 1981 in the "Journal of Investigative Dermatology," in which study participants drank caffeinated beverages kept at 72 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Flushing occurred only in the subjects who drank the hotter drinks. Although the study is older, MedlinePlus corroborates the statement that hot foods and drinks can bring on flushing episodes consistent with rosacea in many patients.
Caffeine and Stress
While hot coffee may not cause an outbreak of rosacea every time you enjoy a cup, limit your consumption of the substance anyway. Caffeine is a stimulant, causing stress in your body. Caffeine can keep you awake at night and interfere with your central nervous system to make you feel shaky. Your body can perceive these disturbances as stress; stress can be a mitigating factor in rosacea. Physical or emotional stress leads to reddening in many people.
Elimination Diet
If you are not sure if the heat or caffeine of your favorite beverage is responsible for your increase in rosacea symptoms, follow an elimination diet for a month to determine the cause. First cut out hot drinks; choose iced tea, coffee or soft drinks if you regularly enjoy a soda. Rosacea symptoms that occur while you drink cool beverages could be due to the caffeine content. Switch to decaffeinated drinks and assess your symptoms.
Considerations
Diet can help control rosacea -- limiting your intake of spicy foods may also manage symptoms -- but medications can also prevent outbreaks. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, including doxycycline and tetracycline. Steroids are generally not used to treat rosacea; overuse of certain steroids may induce the condition.
References
- National Rosacea Society; Rosacea Review: Q&A; Spring 2003
- International Rosacea Foundation: Lifestyle Recommendations
- "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology"; Tacrolimus Ointment for the Treatment of Steroid-Induced Rosacea: A Preliminary Report; D. Goldman; June 2001
- Medline Plus: Rosacea
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