Rosacea

The main prevention measure is to avoid triggers that exacerbate or stimulate symptoms.

Common triggers include:[14]Hampton PJ, Berth-Jones J, Duarte Williamson CE, et al. British Association of Dermatologists guidelines for the management of people with rosacea 2021. Br J Dermatol. 2021 Oct;185(4):725-35. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bjd.20485 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33993465?tool=bestpractice.com [15]Del Rosso JQ, Tanghetti E, Webster G, et al. Update on the management of rosacea from the American Acne & Rosacea Society (AARS). J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020 Jun;13(6 suppl):S17-S24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7710291 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33282106?tool=bestpractice.com [16]Thiboutot D, Anderson R, Cook-Bolden F, et al. Standard management options for rosacea: the 2019 update by the National Rosacea Society Expert Committee. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Jun;82(6):1501-10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32035944?tool=bestpractice.com

• Sun/ultraviolet exposure

• Hot, cold, or windy weather

• Humidity, indoor heating, hot baths, hot beverages

• Heavy exercise

• Alcohol consumption

• Spicy foods

• Emotional stress

• Some skincare and toiletry products (e.g., those that contain menthol, camphor, or sodium lauryl sulfate)

• Some medicines

• Some fruits and vegetables, or certain dairy products.

Trigger factors specific to each individual should be identified before implementing therapy; a diary, tracking lifestyle and environmental factors alongside symptoms, can be particularly useful.[16]Thiboutot D, Anderson R, Cook-Bolden F, et al. Standard management options for rosacea: the 2019 update by the National Rosacea Society Expert Committee. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Jun;82(6):1501-10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32035944?tool=bestpractice.com However, even the most disciplined avoidance of triggers does not always prevent the progression of rosacea.

Daily application of a sun cream protective against ultraviolet A (UV-A) and UV-B radiation should be encouraged. In addition, advise the use of wide-brimmed hats and avoidance of the mid-day sun.

People with erythema, telangiectases, or papule and pustules phenotypes often describe sensitivity to various cosmetic agents. Products and ingredients such as astringents, toners, menthol, camphor, and sodium lauryl sulfate (a key component of the majority of shampoos) can be quite harsh on skin, causing worsening of the condition. A gentle soap-free cleanser applied with the fingers is best tolerated. This can be followed by a gentle emollient, preferably with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.