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, 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
  

While you may be sensitive to one or more of these foods or something else, it isn’t necessary to avoid them unless they cause a flare-up for you. Keeping a diary of what you have consumed and when your condition flares can help identify and avoid what may be an issue for you.

See also: