Q. I have heard that foods high in histamine may aggravate rosacea. What kinds of foods should I be watching out for?

The holidays should be a time of joy and celebration, but avoiding flare-ups during this festive time of year may be a particular challenge for rosacea sufferers. Not only do social, family and financial pressures create stress, but the colder climate and holiday eating can impact your rosacea. Here are some tips to keep flare-ups to a minimum:

Rosacea may be incurable, but it doesn't have to be out of control. Medical therapy along with the right lifestyle choices can help you get a grip on this chronic but manageable disorder.

"People don't realize the variety of minor things that can increase blood flow in the face and aggravate rosacea," said Dr. Jonathan Wilkin, a leading authority on rosacea now with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "The right lifestyle plan combined with medication allow most patients to achieve substantial control."

With spring blossoming and summer approaching, a majority of rosacea sufferers may find they must take special precautions to avoid flare-ups, according to a survey by the National Rosacea Society.

In the survey of more than 700 rosacea sufferers, 71 percent said their condition was affected by changes in seasons. Of all the seasons, summer was found the hardest to endure by most, with 57 percent of the respondents reporting that their symptoms are at their worst during this time of year.

Q. It seems the list of tripwires that might trigger rosacea flare-ups is endless, and now I am afraid to try anything. What should I do?

A. Numerous items have been identified by various rosacea sufferers as causing rosacea flare-ups in their particular cases. However, because each individual is unique, what causes a flare-up for one sufferer may not for another. Before you start avoiding everything, try keeping track of your daily activities and the corresponding condition of your rosacea to pinpoint and avoid exactly what seems to aggravate your particular case.