While most people look forward to summer, the season may bring more frustration than fun if you have rosacea. Warmer weather can make facial redness and irritation more noticeable, with flare-ups triggered by a number of seasonal factors related to summer.
At Associated Skin Care Specialists, our board-certified dermatologists understand how rosacea reacts to certain triggers and how breakouts can affect confidence. We want you to enjoy summer without the stress of skin flare-ups by explaining what might cause your symptoms to worsen and how to manage them.
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects about 5% of the world population. Although it was once believed to primarily affect those with fair skin, we now know that rosacea occurs in all skin tones. The condition typically causes redness, a bumpy rash, and visible blood vessels on cheeks, nose, or forehead.
Many people mistake the symptoms of rosacea for other skin conditions like sunburn or acne. However, rosacea is different and tends to flare and subside in cycles, requiring ongoing management. While the exact cause isn’t clear, we think rosacea and its flare-ups stem from an overactive immune response to various triggers, like heat, stress, and sun.
Knowing what triggers your flare-ups is an important part of our treatment plan.
Summer is a particularly challenging time if you have rosacea, as many of the common triggers are more prevalent this time of year. Here are some of the common summertime culprits that may contribute to flare-ups when the heat intensifies:
Mere minutes of sun exposure may trigger a rosacea flare. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays damage the skin, causing inflammation and dilated blood vessels.
Heat and humidity raises the body temperature, causing sweat that irritates the skin and worsens your symptoms.
In addition to itchy eyes and stuffy nose, your seasonal allergies may also trigger your rosacea.
You may spend more time outside during the summer, increasing exposure to the sun and allergens. You may also be more active and sweat more. And the alcohol and spicy food we often indulge in at backyard barbecues are also potential triggers for the skin condition.
The weather and fun that come with summer can make rosacea more challenging to manage, but not impossible.
You don’t have to hide inside all summer to keep your rosacea under control. A few simple precautions, like wearing sunscreen before going outside and applying it regularly to protect your skin from the sun, can make a big difference.
Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest times of the day and drink cold water when outside to reduce overheating. You’ll also want to stay away from foods and drinks that trigger the skin condition.
Continue to follow your usual skin care routine, which may include use of gentle skin cleanser and rosacea topical or oral medication. We also offer laser treatment for rosacea to reduce the appearance of visible blood vessels.
If you’re struggling to manage your rosacea during the warmer months of the year, we can help. Our skilled dermatologists can create a plan that keeps your skin clear all year long.
We provide dermatology services at our offices in Blaine, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Fridley, Coon Rapids, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Call us today at 763-571-4000. Laser treatments are available at our Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, and Minneapolis locations.
