Information for Patients


Factors That May Trigger Rosacea Flare-Ups

The following list was compiled from patient histories by Dr. Jonathan Wilkin and produced by the National Rosacea Society.

Foods Temperature-related
  • Liver
  • Yogurt
  • Sour cream
  • Cheese (except cottage cheese)
  • Chocolate
  • Vanilla
  • Soy sauce
  • Yeast extract (bread is ok)
  • Vinegar
  • Eggplant
  • Avocados
  • Spinach
  • Broad-leaf beans and pods, including lima, navy or pea
  • Citrus fruits, including tomatoes, bananas, red plums, raisins or figs
  • Spicy and thermally hot foods
  • Foods high in histamine
  • Saunas
  • Hot baths
  • Simple overheating
  • Excessively warm environments
Weather
  • Sun
  • Strong winds
  • Cold
  • Humidity
Drugs
  • Vasodilators
  • Topical steroids
Beverages Medical conditions
  • Alcohol, especially red wine, beer, bourbon, gin, vodka or champagne
  • Hot drinks, including hot cider, hot chocolate, coffee or tea
  • Frequent flushing
  • Menopause
  • Chronic cough
  • Caffeine withdrawal syndrome
Emotional influences Physical exertion
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Exercise
  • "Lift and load" jobs
Skin care products
  • Some cosmetics and hair sprays, especially those containing alcohol, witch hazel or fragrances
  • Hydro-alcoholic or acetone substances
  • Any substance that causes redness or stinging

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