Rosacea Review

Summer 2000

• FEATURE: More Women Face Embarrassment from Conspicuous Effects of Rosacea
• FEATURE: The Anatomy of a Rosacea Flare-up
• FEATURE: Survey Shows Effective Skin Care Helps Combat Unsightly Rosacea
• FEATURE: New Study Links Swelling and Excessive Tissue
• Q & A: Answers to Readers' Questions
• TIPS: Helpful Hints
• TALES FROM THE FRONT: Readers' Success Stories

Tips for Controlling Rosacea on Vacation

For most people, taking a summer vacation is a pleasant break from their normal routines. However, rosacea sufferers must be sure to continue their daily efforts to control this chronic and often relapsing condition. Here are some tips for enjoying your getaway, while keeping your rosacea in check.

• Pack your medication and any special skin-care products in your carry-on bag. You don't want to get stuck in a far-away place without your rosacea medication. Pack your medical therapy and the skin-care products you are accustomed to in your carrying bag so they won't leave your side.

• Don't stray from your normal skin-care routine. If you have established a daily skin-care routine that appears to be working, maintain it on vacation. Don't stray while you are away.

• Be careful when experimenting with new foods. Read menus carefully and be sure to ask about new foods you may want to try. Spicy foods are a common rosacea trigger, so ask before you taste.

• Limit your exposure to the sun. Since sun exposure is one of the most common rosacea tripwires, minimize your time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when its rays are the strongest. Stay in the shade when possible, and protect the face. Use a sunscreen daily.

• Plan sight-seeing escapades for cooler times of the day. Especially if hot weather aggravates your rosacea, plan to explore your new location during the cooler morning or late afternoon hours.

Enjoy your vacation but don't take a break from your medication or from avoiding environmental and lifestyle factors that may aggravate your condition.