Rosacea Review

Rosacea Review

Spring 2010


Readers Suggest New Ways to Beat the Heat

With the arrival of spring and summer, the need to beat the heat grows even more urgent for the many rosacea sufferers whose symptoms are triggered by high temperatures. Beyond the many tried-and-true measures, readers have shared additional ideas for keeping your cool whether outdoors or inside.

As obvious as it might sound, many readers touted the benefits of a fan. Some preferred the portable variety that sits atop a spray bottle and acts as a mister, while others said a desktop or bedside model aimed directly at their face worked wonders. Another reported that she keeps a pillow in her extra refrigerator and uses it to help cool her face when needed.

Steamy bathrooms are a problem for many rosacea sufferers, but several readers had tips to overcome this trigger. One reader said she now washes her long hair in the sink so the shower won't have to run so long. Another said she runs her hair dryer only on the cool setting. Many only use lukewarm water.

A number of readers offered coping mechanisms for routine household activities that can cause a flare-up: drinking icy water when taking hot laundry out of the dryer, dialing down the air conditioner before starting strenuous chores such as mopping the floor, and, perhaps the most inventive of all, wearing a welder's face shield when removing items from the oven.

Readers are invited to send personal tips for avoiding triggers, and we'll pass them along in future issues.