These Are the Worst Foods to Eat If You Have Rosacea

If you have rosacea, you know how much of an inconvenience it can be when you have a flare-up. It can leave you self-conscious and frustrated, especially when it appears at just the best times (e.g., before a big event or presentation at work).

It might not be that comforting to know this, but here it is: You're not alone when it comes to this condition. "Rosacea is a very common inflammatory skin condition that affects approximately 16 million people in the U.S. alone," says Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Brown University. "There are four distinct subtypes of rosacea, but the two most common ones are the vascular or redness subtype that causes prolonged flushing and dilated blood vessels and the papulopustular type that resembles acne. While there may be some genetic component to the disorder, the exact cause is unknown. What we do know is that there is an interplay between dysregulation of certain microorganisms on the skin (microbiome) and a hyper-reactive response to certain triggers like UV light." It's most often found in people who have fair skin, but people with dark skin can get rosacea, too, and it affects both men and women.

Unfortunately, it's a chronic skin condition, but there are ways to treat it. You'll want to avoid (or be mindful of) any triggers that can cause a flare-up, like overly strenuous exercise, a hot or humid atmosphere, emotional upset, exposure to sun or intense cold, perfumed or scented products, abrasive exfoliants, and medications that might exacerbate flushing, according to Sabrina Fabi, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic cosmetic surgeon, assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Diego.

Additionally, certain foods can be triggers, too, which Libby and Fabi outlined below.

Apologies if you like to douse everything in hot sauce. Spicy food can increase body temperature, which can trigger a flare-up and also cause dilated blood vessels, which will worsen the redness.

Like spicy foods, consuming hot beverages and dishes can cause a body-temperature spike.

Enjoy happy hour with caution. "Alcohol (especially wine) is another common culprit, and up to half of adults with rosacea recognize this as a trigger for their rosacea," says Libby.

Well, you'll want to avoid this for a variety of health concerns, not just rosacea, but according to Fabi, "In one study, a diet high in fatty foods also correlated with a worsening of rosacea."

When it comes to foods you should eat to help soothe rosacea, unfortunately, there's no definitive answer, as more research needs to be done. But Fabi says there are some studies that have found a link between rosacea and a healthy gut. "While further research is required in this area, patients may be advised on measures to support a healthy gut microbiome, including the consumption of a fiber-rich (prebiotic) diet," she suggests.

If you've done your best to avoid triggers, stayed away from spicy foods, alcohol, etc., and still find yourself with a flare-up, there are some dermatologist-recommended over-the-counter products that you can try (and some that should be used daily to keep flare-ups away). We asked Fabi and Libby for their favorites.

Libby says other treatments for rosacea include prescription topical and oral medications, and cosmetic interventions like chemical peels and lasers. But before you try any of these outlined above or modify your diet, you should chat with your dermatologist first to come up with a tailored treatment plan that works best for you.

Next up: I've Had Eczema My Whole Life—These Are the Foods That Are Supposed to Help

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.