Brigitte Brocato doesn’t credit one particular lifestyle change with helping her manage her rosacea.  Instead, the 66-year-old from Rhode Island cites a virtual laundry list of adjustments she has made through the years that have rendered her condition nearly undetectable.

Diagnosed with mild rosacea in her 40s, Brigitte used topical therapy with good results for a number of years.  But when her flushing became more and more frequent, she returned to her doctor.  She added oral therapy to Brigitte’s regimen but also determined that she suffered from a number of allergies.

While sun exposure is well known as a common trigger for rosacea flare-ups, there may be even more reason for rosacea sufferers to protect themselves from the sun's rays.  A new study found that people with rosacea had significantly higher levels of vitamin D in their blood than people without the disorder.¹

The stronger winds and cooler temperatures of autumn may trigger rosacea flare-ups.  Manage your rosacea and enjoy the season with some helpful tips:

•  Beat indoor heat.  Adjust your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting and use an indoor humidifier to prevent air dryness.

•  Combat the wind.  Use a scarf to protect your face.  For those with ocular rosacea, sunglasses with UV protection may be an option to protect the eyes.

The emotional impact of rosacea is often substantial regardless of subtype or severity, according to results of a new National Rosacea Society patient survey. 

Q.  Certain activities trigger mild, short-lasting rosacea outbreaks on my cheeks and/or nose.  The outbreaks are not severe enough to make me stop these activities, but if I keep doing them could the flare-ups get worse?

A.  This aspect of potential rosacea triggers has not been studied, so it is unclear whether repeated exposure makes subsequent flare-ups worse.  Physicians have observed, however, that the signs and symptoms of rosacea tend to become increasingly severe without medical treatment and proper care.

New developments in skin care and cosmetics may increase the comfort of rosacea patients while laying a foundation for managing the condition as well as improving appearance, according to a presentation at the American Academy of Dermatology summer meeting. 

The National Rosacea Society (NRS) has awarded funding for two new studies in addition to continuing support for five ongoing studies during the year as part of its research grants program to increase knowledge and understanding of the potential causes and other key aspects of rosacea.