What foods can trigger rosacea flare-ups. How does diet affect rosacea symptoms. Which dietary changes can help manage rosacea. What are the latest insights on rosacea and nutrition as of 2024. How to identify and avoid personal rosacea food triggers.

The Complex Relationship Between Rosacea and Diet

Rosacea, a common skin condition characterized by facial redness and inflammation, can be significantly influenced by dietary choices. While the exact causes of rosacea remain unclear, research has consistently shown that certain foods and beverages can trigger or exacerbate symptoms in many individuals. Understanding these dietary triggers is crucial for effective management of rosacea.

Recent studies have shed new light on the intricate relationship between diet and rosacea. Researchers have found that certain foods can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to increased redness and flushing. Additionally, some dietary components may contribute to inflammation, potentially worsening rosacea symptoms.

Top 5 Common Rosacea Food Triggers to Watch Out For

While triggers can vary from person to person, several foods and beverages are frequently associated with rosacea flare-ups:

1. Hot beverages
2. Spicy foods
3. Alcohol
4. Dairy products
5. Histamine-rich foods

Understanding these common triggers can help individuals with rosacea make informed dietary choices to manage their symptoms more effectively.

Hot Beverages: A Hidden Culprit

The temperature of a beverage, rather than its ingredients, can be a significant trigger for rosacea symptoms. Hot coffee, tea, cider, and chocolate can cause the blood vessels in the face to dilate, leading to increased redness and flushing.

For those who find it challenging to eliminate these beverages entirely, switching to iced versions can be a helpful alternative. Iced coffee, green tea, and herbal teas can provide similar enjoyment without the risk of triggering a flare-up.

Spicy Foods: A Fiery Challenge for Rosacea Sufferers

Spicy foods can heat up the skin and increase the risk of rosacea flare-ups. This category includes hot spices, sauces, peppers, and vinegar. For individuals with rosacea, exploring milder alternatives and experimenting with fresh, organic herbs and spices can be a flavorful way to enjoy meals without triggering symptoms.

Alcohol: The Double-Edged Sword

Alcohol consumption can be particularly problematic for those with rosacea. It causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing the likelihood of experiencing facial redness. While all types of alcohol can potentially trigger symptoms, red wine and hard liquor are often cited as the most common culprits.

Individuals with rosacea may need to consider limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption, especially during periods of heightened skin sensitivity or in situations where they want to minimize the risk of a flare-up.

Dairy: A Potential Trigger for Some

Some individuals with rosacea report experiencing outbreaks after consuming dairy products. This category includes milk, yogurt, and cheese. However, it’s important to note that dairy may not be a universal trigger for all rosacea sufferers.

If you suspect dairy might be exacerbating your symptoms, consider testing each dairy item individually rather than eliminating all dairy products at once. This approach can help you identify specific problematic foods while potentially retaining others in your diet.

Histamine-Rich Foods: An Overlooked Factor

Histamine, a compound involved in the body’s immune response, can cause blood vessels to dilate and potentially trigger rosacea outbreaks. Foods high in histamine include tomatoes, citrus fruits, legumes, chocolate, and nuts.

While not everyone with rosacea is sensitive to histamine-rich foods, being aware of this potential trigger can be helpful in identifying personal dietary patterns that may contribute to flare-ups.

Identifying Personal Rosacea Triggers: A Methodical Approach

Discovering individual rosacea triggers often requires a process of trial and error. Here’s a systematic approach to identifying your personal dietary triggers:

1. Start by eliminating one food item from each trigger category.
2. Wait for two weeks to observe any improvements in your rosacea symptoms.
3. If you notice an improvement, that food item is likely a trigger and should be limited or eliminated from your diet.
4. Continue this process with other potential trigger foods to create a comprehensive understanding of your personal dietary sensitivities.

Keeping a detailed food journal can be invaluable in this process, helping you identify patterns and correlations between your diet and rosacea flare-ups.

Beyond Diet: Comprehensive Rosacea Management Strategies

While dietary modifications can play a crucial role in managing rosacea, they are just one aspect of a comprehensive treatment plan. Other important factors to consider include:

• Sun protection
• Stress management
• Gentle skincare routines
• Avoiding extreme temperatures
• Medical treatments prescribed by a dermatologist

For individuals who continue to struggle with rosacea outbreaks despite lifestyle changes, consulting with a dermatologist can provide access to additional solutions. These may include laser therapies, topical medications, oral antibiotics, and specialized skincare products designed for rosacea-prone skin.

The Future of Rosacea Research: Promising Developments

As we move further into 2024, ongoing research continues to deepen our understanding of rosacea and its relationship with diet. Some exciting areas of investigation include:

• The role of the gut microbiome in rosacea development and progression
• Potential benefits of anti-inflammatory diets for rosacea management
• Genetic factors that may influence individual responses to dietary triggers
• Development of personalized nutrition plans based on genetic and microbiome profiles

These areas of research hold promise for more targeted and effective rosacea management strategies in the future.

Nutrition and Skincare: A Holistic Approach to Rosacea Management

The connection between nutrition and skin health extends beyond just avoiding trigger foods. A well-balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals can support overall skin health and potentially help manage rosacea symptoms.

Some nutrients that may be particularly beneficial for individuals with rosacea include:

• Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens, vitamin C supports collagen production and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Present in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, these healthy fats can help reduce inflammation.
• Zinc: Found in lean meats, seafood, and pumpkin seeds, zinc plays a role in skin healing and may help regulate oil production.
• Probiotics: Found in fermented foods or supplements, probiotics support gut health, which may indirectly benefit skin health.

Incorporating these nutrients into your diet, while being mindful of potential triggers, can contribute to a comprehensive approach to rosacea management.

The Psychological Impact of Rosacea: Addressing the Emotional Aspect

While much of the focus on rosacea management revolves around physical symptoms, it’s crucial to acknowledge the psychological impact of this skin condition. The visible nature of rosacea can significantly affect an individual’s self-esteem and quality of life.

Addressing the emotional aspects of living with rosacea is an important part of comprehensive care. This may involve:

• Seeking support from mental health professionals
• Joining support groups or online communities for individuals with rosacea
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga
• Working with a dermatologist to develop a treatment plan that addresses both physical and emotional well-being

By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of rosacea, individuals can work towards improved overall well-being and confidence.

Rosacea in the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology for Management

As we progress further into 2024, technology continues to play an increasingly important role in rosacea management. Several innovative approaches are emerging:

• Smartphone apps for tracking triggers and symptoms
• Telemedicine consultations with dermatologists
• AI-powered skin analysis tools for monitoring progress
• Wearable devices that monitor environmental factors affecting skin health

These technological advancements offer new opportunities for individuals with rosacea to take a more proactive and informed approach to managing their condition.

Can diet alone cure rosacea? While dietary modifications can significantly improve symptoms for many individuals, it’s important to understand that rosacea is a complex condition influenced by multiple factors. Diet is just one aspect of management, and a comprehensive approach that includes medical treatment, skincare, and lifestyle modifications is typically most effective.

Is it necessary to completely eliminate all potential trigger foods? Not necessarily. The goal is to identify your personal triggers and manage them effectively. Some individuals may find they can tolerate small amounts of certain trigger foods, while others may need to avoid them entirely. Working with a dermatologist or registered dietitian can help you develop a personalized approach that balances effective symptom management with quality of life considerations.

How long does it take to see improvements after making dietary changes? The timeline for improvement can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals may notice changes within a few days of eliminating trigger foods, while others may take several weeks to see noticeable improvements. Consistency and patience are key when making dietary modifications for rosacea management.

Are there any specific diets recommended for rosacea management? While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all diet for rosacea, some individuals find success with anti-inflammatory diets such as the Mediterranean diet. These eating patterns emphasize whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables while limiting processed foods and potential triggers like alcohol and spicy foods.

Can probiotics help with rosacea? Emerging research suggests that probiotics may play a role in managing rosacea by supporting gut health and potentially reducing inflammation. While more studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between probiotics and rosacea, incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements may be beneficial for some individuals.

Is it possible to develop new food triggers over time? Yes, it’s possible for rosacea triggers to change over time. This is why ongoing monitoring and periodic reassessment of your diet and symptoms is important. Keeping a food diary and staying attuned to your body’s responses can help you identify any new triggers that may develop.

How does climate affect rosacea, and how can diet help? Climate factors such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and sun exposure can significantly impact rosacea symptoms. While diet can’t directly control these environmental factors, maintaining a balanced diet that supports overall skin health can help improve your skin’s resilience to environmental stressors.

Are there any foods that can help reduce rosacea symptoms? While no specific foods have been proven to universally reduce rosacea symptoms, foods rich in anti-inflammatory compounds may be beneficial. These include fatty fish high in omega-3s, leafy greens, berries, and green tea. However, it’s important to remember that individual responses can vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.

How does stress relate to rosacea, and can diet help manage stress-related flare-ups? Stress is a known trigger for many individuals with rosacea. While diet alone cannot eliminate stress, certain nutritional strategies may help support stress management. Foods rich in magnesium (such as leafy greens and nuts) and foods containing L-theanine (such as green tea) may help promote relaxation. Additionally, maintaining stable blood sugar levels through balanced meals can help prevent stress-inducing energy crashes.

Is it possible to enjoy dining out with rosacea? Yes, it’s possible to enjoy dining out while managing rosacea. Some strategies include researching menus in advance, communicating your dietary needs to restaurant staff, choosing dishes with simple ingredients, and being mindful of portion sizes of potential trigger foods. Many restaurants are increasingly accommodating of dietary restrictions and may be willing to modify dishes to suit your needs.

As research into rosacea continues to evolve, our understanding of the complex relationship between diet and this skin condition deepens. While dietary management remains a crucial aspect of rosacea care, it’s important to approach it as part of a comprehensive strategy that includes medical treatment, skincare, and lifestyle modifications.

By staying informed about the latest developments in rosacea research, working closely with healthcare providers, and remaining attentive to personal triggers and symptoms, individuals with rosacea can develop effective management strategies that allow them to lead comfortable, confident lives. The journey to managing rosacea may be ongoing, but with the right approach, it’s possible to achieve clearer, calmer skin and improved overall well-being.

Here Are 5 Foods That May Be Triggering Your Rosacea: Easton Dermatology Associates: Dermatologists

Here Are 5 Foods That May Be Triggering Your Rosacea: Easton Dermatology Associates: Dermatologists

Our Kent Island office is accepting new patients.

Coming down with rosacea can be physically uncomfortable and negatively impact your self-esteem. Although having this common form of adult acne is no picnic, rosacea is, fortunately, a manageable condition if you are willing to make lifestyle changes and seek treatment from a dermatologist.

Our specialized team of board-certified dermatologists led by Michael Del Torto, MD and Donald R. Stranahan, Jr., MD, recommend people with rosacea change the way they eat to limit their risk of outbreaks. Try eliminating or limiting these five foods from your diet to calm a flare-up and  clear your skin.

Understanding rosacea

Rosacea is a skin disease that causes inflammation and red patches on your cheeks and nose, and in some cases, your chin and forehead. Some forms of rosacea also cause you to develop bumps that resemble acne and experience skin sensitivity or tenderness.

Most cases of rosacea are mild, and you can minimize the redness and discomfort by making lifestyle changes such as avoiding the sun and other forms of heat. It’s also important to know which foods trigger symptoms and to avoid or limit those foods.To determine any of these triggers, we recommend you eliminate the food or beverage from your diet one at a time to see if your rosacea improves. Keeping a food journal will help you see patterns and understand what foods may or may not trigger a flare up.

Five common foods that trigger rosacea

Rosacea triggers can vary from person to person however these 5 are the most common. 

Hot beverages

Heat in any form is a common trigger of rosacea outbreaks, try to eliminate or drastically curb the number of heated up beverages you consume such as  coffee, tea, hot cider, and hot chocolate. The trigger in these drinks is the temperature rather than the ingredients of the beverages themselves. If you find eliminating them altogether isn’t possible for you, try drinking them in cold form such as iced coffee, iced teas especially green or herbals, and frozen hot chocolate. 

Spicy foods

Foods that are spicy also heat up the skin and increase risk of  a rosacea flare- up. Swap out hot spices, hot sauces, hot peppers, and vinegar for milder salsas and other substitutes. It’s the perfect time to get creative with fresh, organic herbs and spices.

Alcohol

Alcohol causes dilation of the blood vessels, drinking it makes you more likely to experience rosacea’s characteristic facial redness. Though any alcohol can cause flare-ups, red wine and hard liquor are the main culprits..

Dairy

Some people with rosacea experience outbreaks after consuming dairy. Try not ingesting or limiting your quantities of yogurt, milk, and cheese. If you suspect dairy is a trigger for you, try testing each dairy item individually rather than all at once. 

Foods with histamine in them

Histamine can make your red blood vessels dilate, causing rosacea outbreaks to occur. Food to look out for that contain histamines of which to be careful include tomatoes, citrus fruit, legumes, chocolate, and nuts.

How to identify rosacea diet triggers

You’ll learn your biggest food triggers through trial and error. Start out by eliminating one from each category. Wait two weeks to see if your rosacea has improved. If it has, that food item is a rosacea trigger and should be limited or eliminated completely from your diet. 

If you’ve been making lifestyle changes and are still struggling with rosacea outbreaks, our team at Easton Dermatology Associates can help you with additional solutions. These include laser therapies, topical creams, gels, washes, and antibiotics.

Easton Dermatology Associates has two convenient locations in Easton and Salisbury, Maryland. To make an appointment to discuss your skincare needs, call us today.

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What to Eat to Avoid Rosacea Flares

What Foods Should You Avoid When You Have Rosacea?

Spicy Food

Whether you’re adding hot peppers to your dishes or ordering food with an extra kick, spicy or hot foods may be one of many underlying causes of your rosacea flares. (4)

Cayenne pepper, red pepper, black pepper, curry, paprika, and other spicy ingredients can cause tiny blood vessels underneath your skin to dilate, resulting in flushing. (5)

Cut back on these spices when cooking and substitute other ingredients — oregano, sage, and basil, for example. These ingredients may provide the right amount of flavor, without contributing to skin redness.

Alcohol

Avoiding alcohol might also control rosacea symptoms. According to the National Rosacea Society, there’s a greater risk of flares with red wine, although symptoms can also occur with bourbon, gin, vodka, champagne, and beer. (6,7)

Alcohol causes the blood vessels in the face to widen, increasing blood flow to this region. (7)

Hot Beverages

Some people can’t start their day without a cup of coffee. And on a cold day, hot tea or hot chocolate can quickly warm the body.

But if you deal with frequent rosacea flares, eliminating hot beverages (which also increase blood flow to the face and flushing) may improve the appearance of your skin. (8)

This doesn’t mean giving up coffee or tea, but iced coffee or iced tea might be a better option.

High-Histamine Foods

Fruits aren’t only full of nutrients and antioxidants; some fruits are also high in histamine. This is an organic compound that triggers an immune system response. Histamine causes vasodilation, or a relaxation of blood vessels, essentially exacerbating or making rosacea flare, explains Dr. Ilyas. When blood vessels in the face dilate, redness follows. (7)

Fruits that may trigger this type of reaction include tomatoes, pineapple, strawberries, papaya, and red plums. (3)

Keep in mind that fruit isn’t the only type of food that can release histamine. Other triggers include eggplant, spinach, mushrooms, shellfish, legumes, alcohol, and fermented foods (aged cheese). (3)

Dairy

Dairy foods like yogurt, sour cream, and cheese are also a trigger for some people. (3)

Dairy is a good source of vitamin D and calcium, but it’s also an inflammatory food. (9) As a result of inflammation, you may notice increased facial redness and swelling.

Removing dairy from your diet may reduce redness and other symptoms of rosacea. Easier said than done, of course, but if you can’t eliminate dairy completely, try cutting back. Swap cow’s milk for rice milk, almond milk, or soy milk. Look for dairy-free substitutes for ice cream, yogurt, and cheese.

Chocolate

The thought of giving up chocolate may send you into a state of panic. But chocolate worsens rosacea in some people because it contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound that gives cinnamon its flavor. It can cause dilation of blood vessels, leading to skin flushing. (10,11)

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Nutrition for rosacea on the face. Prohibited foods for rosacea.

In this section, we will consider nutrition for patients with rosacea, which drinks can be consumed by patients and which are not, and the general drinking regimen. The effect of the sun on the skin of patients with this pathology, as well as what effect sea water has on the skin and how patients should behave at sea in the summer.

Alcohol for rosacea

The first issue that worries our patients is alcohol in rosacea. Should rosacea patients never drink alcoholic beverages again in their lives? Our patients literally lament over this ban, which they read about on the Internet.

Indeed, all printed recommendations indicate that rosacea patients are strictly prohibited from alcoholic beverages. In practice, we observe different trends. In the presence of an exacerbation of the underlying disease and the progression of all clinical signs of rosacea, we recommend that our patients completely give up alcohol during the course of treatment. In the acute stage, you should not experiment. It is better to completely eliminate alcohol.

In the subacute stage of the disease (when the exacerbation has subsided and the main symptoms have passed), we give a slight indulgence in the intake of alcoholic beverages.

Drinking alcohol for rosacea should be limited. We allow small doses of non-staining strong alcohol, such as tequila. During the period of remission, the consumption of alcoholic beverages within reasonable limits is permissible.

If the patient takes alcoholic beverages, we recommend taking one tablespoon of sorbents (eg Enteros gel). The patient takes sorbents immediately after taking alcoholic beverages, as well as the next day in the morning. This tactic allows you to minimize the negative effects of alcohol on the body, on the skin in particular. The toxic effect on the skin is leveled, which prevents the development of an inflammatory reaction and exacerbation of rosacea.

There are a number of alcoholic beverages that we do not recommend for patients with rosacea, even in remission. These drinks include all sparkling wines, including champagne. Champagne instantly activates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which induce the development of rosacea and aggravate the clinical picture. Patients who have neglected our recommendations note that after the New Year holidays, or even after a single glass of champagne, the next day, itching appears on the skin and all the signs of an inflammatory process that are characteristic of patients with rosacea.

Alcohol with rosacea is possible only during the period of remission in limited dosages under the cover of sorbents.

Nutrition for rosacea

Nutrition for rosacea on the face should be rational and balanced. I am not a supporter of patients, even during an exacerbation, sitting on a strict diet. The patient must eat correct and balanced food at all times. Rigid diets lead to malnutrition in patients.

What not to eat with rosacea: first of all, these are processed meat products (smoked sausages, sausages). It is worth excluding mayonnaise and ketchup, chemical sauces and additives from your diet. The menu for rosacea should include homemade dishes. This is a very important point. If you eat in restaurants on a regular basis, then you need to eat food that is easy to produce, with a minimum amount of frying.

The menu for rosacea on the face should include soups. Soups can be vegetable or broth based. Preference is given to white meat of poultry or fish. We recommend reducing the consumption of red meat, or completely eliminating it from the diet, depending on the patient’s traditions. We recommend eating red fish no more than once every 2 weeks.

Products for rosacea should be as natural as possible, without chemical preservation. Therefore, we exclude all semi-finished products from the list of recommended products.

Cottage cheese for rosacea can be consumed, but in limited quantities. We recommend that milk be completely excluded from the diet of our patients.

If patients are not strongly attached to dairy products, then we exclude milk, fermented baked milk, kefir and yogurt from the diet. If the patient cannot imagine his life without dairy products, then we reduce the amount of consumption of the indicated dairy products.

We leave cheese in the patient’s diet, but we reduce the amount of its use.

So, to summarize, what you can’t eat with rosacea: we exclude sausages, sausages, ketchups, mayonnaise, pork, fast food, dry food, convenience foods, creamy cakes, milk.

What you can eat with rosacea: white fish, soups, vegetables, cereals, bread, white poultry meat, fruits.

We limit the intake of dairy products, red fish and cheeses.

What drinks can I drink with rosacea?

We recommend that all patients with rosacea drink herbal teas every day. Tea for rosacea should contain more herbal ingredients and a minimum of chemicals. If the patient likes black tea, then we recommend brewing tea not from bags, but in a teapot, using loose tea. If the patient likes loose-leaf black tea, then we recommend drinking not strong black tea.

We prefer green tea over black tea. Brewed chamomile, mint and thyme have proven themselves well. You can buy Altai herbal teas, brew them and drink them. In the absence of an allergy to berries, you can brew raspberries, sea buckthorn, black currants and lingonberries in a thermos. Berry collection is enriched with vitamins, improves immunity, general adaptive properties of a person, has an antioxidant effect and has a beneficial effect on the skin.

In practice, we have not identified any pronounced limitations in the use of honey for patients with rosacea. If the patient does not have allergies and hypersensitivity to honey, then we do not prohibit the use of this product.

Discussed what drinks can be drunk with rosacea. It is worth remembering that we recommend categorically excluding all carbonated drinks, in particular: Pepsi-Cola, Fanta, Coca-Cola, Sprite. These drinks must be strictly and unconditionally excluded from your menu and under no circumstances should you drink them.

The exception is mineral carbonated water, which the patient can drink as prescribed by the gastroenterologist. Still mineral water is not contraindicated for patients with rosacea.

Rosacea and sea water

If earlier patients went to the seaside to rest mainly in the summer, now, due to the development of tourism, patients go to the seaside, to the space of solar activity all year round – both in summer and in winter. Moreover, if in summer the temperature difference with the resort area is insignificant, then in winter the temperature difference is up to 70 degrees and above, which negatively affects the skin for patients with rosacea.

Rosacea and sea water are not very compatible things. In this article, I will give recommendations that will minimize the negative effects of salt water on sensitive and ulcerated skin in patients with rosacea. These recommendations will reduce the risk of exacerbation and progression of this disease.

Arriving at the resort, we recommend, first of all, to purchase panama hats or caps that will protect the skin of the face from direct sunlight. It is better to make purchases before departure, in advance. Suddenly, the resort area will not have the necessary wide-brimmed hats that you need.

Physical protection of the skin from the sun is important and should be taken seriously. For men, it is advisable to buy a wide-brimmed panama hat, and for women, a hat with an elongated brim that also covers the shoulders.

Sunglasses should be wide, covering the cheek and cheekbones as much as possible.

The application of sunscreen is a mandatory default recommendation for our patients. Moreover, it is important to use high-quality cosmeceutical creams with an SPF, where the sunscreen meets and complies with the requirements of a medical device.

Sea water has a pronounced irritating effect on the skin of any person, and especially for a patient with rosacea. If the patient immersed himself in sea water with his face, or water got on the skin of the face, then when it dries, microcrystals of salt remain on the face. When the sun hits the salt crystals, the sun’s rays become aggressive and have a damaging effect on the skin of the face.

Therefore, after swimming in sea water, it is very important to wash your face in fresh water and apply sunscreen.

Responsible and disciplined patients do not take off their panama hats during water procedures and swim in the sea without taking off their hats. We categorically do not recommend sunbathing in open sunlight for patients with rosacea. General insolation activates the production of inflammatory mediators and triggers lipid peroxidation. After active insolation, the patient notes a pronounced exacerbation of the underlying disease and the progression of rosacea.

Sometimes an illusion is created when the patient’s skin is in good condition at sea, and upon returning home, multiple inflammatory elements, itching, discomfort and hyperkeratosis appear. The patient says that the climate in Moscow and in central Russia does not suit him, but suits the sea. This is an illusion. At sea, high humidity, no more.

Sea water and the sun’s rays trigger the inflammatory process, hyperkeratosis and severe dry skin are additionally formed. The patient does not feel discomfort on the skin due to the high humidity, but the damage to the skin has already occurred. Upon returning home, the patient sees all the damage to the skin and the frolicking clinical picture on his face. In fact, the skin was damaged at sea, and not in central Russia.

Form

You can sign up for a procedure with us by phone +7 (495) 7447-845, or +7 (925) 82-500-50.

They will select a time convenient for you, an experienced cosmetologist will perform the procedure competently and as comfortably as possible, will treat rosacea, based on the pathogenetic aspects of the disease, and not on the symptoms.

The procedure is carried out by a doctor, candidate of medical sciences, dermatologist, cosmetologist Perevalova Elena Gennadievna.

WHAT FOODS PROVOKE AN AGGRESSION OF THE DISEASE

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis, manifested by hypersensitivity of the skin, hyperemia, erythema in the central part of the face, papules, pustules and hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands. The worsening of rosacea symptoms when eating certain types of food is an undeniable fact. Let’s take a look at the current scientific evidence for the relationship between diet and rosacea.

Alcohol

The most powerful trigger for the manifestation and aggravation of rosacea is alcoholic beverages, namely wine (red wine is reported to be a stronger trigger than white wine). In a large-scale study (n=82,737) conducted by Li S. et al., for 14 years, the effect of alcohol consumption on the incidence of rosacea was studied. The authors found that participants (n=4945) with increased alcohol consumption, the incidence of rosacea was significantly higher [1].

Presumably, during the breakdown of acetaldehyde and acetone, metabolites of alcohol, histamine is formed, which causes vasodilation of the dermis and reddening of the face. An additional mechanism for alcohol-induced flushing is associated with the opiate-like action of enkephalin.

Foods high in niacin

Niacin (nicotinic acid, vitamin B3) may be partly responsible for the “hot flashes” seen in patients with rosacea. It is found in salmon, peanuts, tuna, liver and chicken breasts. Niacin binds to Langerhans cell receptors, resulting in the release of prostaglandins around the capillaries, which leads to erythema, skin temperature increase, itching and burning [2].

Spicy food

According to a survey of 400 patients conducted by the National Rosacea Society (NRS), after the elimination of capsaicin-containing spices, hot sauce, cayenne and red pepper from the diet, 75% of patients subsequently observed reducing exacerbations of rosacea. As for the trigger mechanism, vasodilation and redness may be due to the activation of TRPV1 receptors by capsaicin [2].

Cinnamaldehyde

Cinnamaldehyde is found in tomatoes, citrus fruits and chocolate. According to NRS studies, cinnamaldehyde activates transient receptor potential ankyrin receptor-1 (TRPA1) found in the sensory nerves of the dermis. As a result, vasodilatation, edema, erythema, and telangiectasias develop [2].

Caffeine

It was previously believed that the use of caffeinated beverages leads to the manifestation and aggravation of the symptoms of rosacea. However, subsequent studies have restored the reputation of caffeine: it was found that at a temperature of 22 ° C, both water and coffee did not cause redness. Erythema occurs after drinking hot drinks (60 °C). It turns out that the main trigger factor is the high temperature of the drink, and not at all its appearance. It is believed that the intake of hot drinks causes increased vasodilation and activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to hyperemia and the occurrence of telangiectasias [3].

Li S. et al. with the participation of 4945 patients, the effect of caffeine consumption on the incidence of rosacea was evaluated [4]. The authors found a clear inverse relationship between rosacea risk and caffeine, with higher caffeine intake being associated with lower incidence of rosacea. Apparently, caffeine has a vasoconstrictive effect, reducing the symptoms of rosacea.

Foods high in histamine

Foods high in histamine (eg, aged cheese, sauerkraut, wine, and fried meats) may act as triggers for worsening rosacea symptoms. Histamine released by mast cells causes increased vascular permeability, tissue edema, increased blood flow, and dysfunction of the endothelial barrier. These effects are especially pronounced with histamine intolerance. Histamine intolerance can be caused by an imbalance between the level of absorbed histamine and the body’s ability to break it down [2].

Fatty foods

A diet high in fatty foods (such as fatty meats, fried foods, and lard) is associated with a higher risk of developing rosacea. Fatty foods contribute to a state of chronic inflammation and can also cause an imbalance in the synthesis of ceramides and hyaluronic acid and a relative deficiency of short chain fatty acids. As a result, there is a violation of the epidermal barrier and elongation of the epidermal nerve fibers (C-type). This can lead to symptoms of rosacea such as pain, burning and tingling [2].

Dairy products

Data on the influence of dairy products on the pathogenesis of rosacea are contradictory. On the one hand, dairy products may have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as help normalize the gut microbiome. On the other hand, dairy products cause inflammation and exacerbate acne. Since acne and rosacea have similar pathophysiology, it is not clear how dairy products can have opposite effects in these conditions. This issue requires more in-depth research.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Improvement in ocular manifestations of rosacea (dry eyes) has been reported with dietary supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids.

Probiotics

According to numerous scientific publications, probiotics help to resolve inflammation in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rosacea. Probiotics can reduce vasodilation, edema, mast cell destruction, and TNF-α release, and contribute to maintaining the integrity and repair of the epidermal barrier.

Thus, the most common triggers for rosacea are alcohol, spicy foods, foods containing cinnamaldehyde (tomatoes, citrus fruits, chocolate), hot drinks, and foods rich in histamine (aged cheese, wine, fried meats). Dietary intake of probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to improve rosacea, according to a number of studies. However, dietary restriction should be considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure that patients avoid the triggers they experience exacerbate their disease.

For more information about dietary triggers of rosacea and how diet can influence the course of the disease, read the next issue of the journal “Cosmetics and Medicine Special edition ” No. 1/2023.

Sources

1. Li S., Cho E., Drucker A.M., et al. Alcohol intake and risk of rosacea in US.