Conditions · FAQ
What can trigger rosacea flares?
Short answer
Rosacea flares can be triggered by sunlight, heat, cold wind, hot drinks, alcohol, spicy foods, stress, or exercise. Triggers differ from person to person. Keeping a simple symptom diary can help you find patterns. Avoiding your own triggers may reduce flares, but it will not cure rosacea. Results vary.
A rosacea trigger is something that brings on flushing or makes other symptoms worse. Common triggers include sun exposure, hot weather, cold wind, hot showers, spicy foods, alcohol, and hot drinks. Stress and exercise can also trigger flushing. Some skin products may cause burning or irritation that worsens symptoms.
You do not need to avoid every possible trigger. Instead, write down when symptoms appear and what happened before them. Note foods, drinks, weather, activity, and products used on your face. Photos taken in similar lighting may help you discuss changes with your physician.
Small changes may make triggers easier to manage. Try letting hot drinks cool, using lukewarm water, or exercising in a cooler space with breaks. Do not stop healthy activities or cut out many foods without a clear reason. A trigger plan may help limit flares. Results vary. If flushing began after a new medicine, tell your physician rather than stopping it on your own. Medicines and other conditions can sometimes cause flushing.
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Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.