Managing Rosacea During Winter

Winter can really challenge rosacea sufferers. Whether you reside in the southern states with milder weather or in the north woods of Wisconsin, the winter season is bound to pose some challenges. Numerous factors, from the sun to cold and wind exposure, low humidity and indoor heat all tend to trigger flare-ups.

According to Dr. Guy Webster, a dermatology professor working at Thomas Jefferson University Medical College, the ocular form of this condition can worsen during the winter months as your eyes become irritable after being exposed to windy and cold conditions. Many sufferers aren’t aware that their eyes are being affected by this condition, and that they need to seek special care and treatment.

He went on to note that popular signs and symptoms associated with the condition include:

1. Presence of a sty or bloodshot appearance
2. Increased eye irritation

 III. Eyes that feel dry or gritty

1. Watery discharge

Apart from seeking professional medical assistance, sufferers are advised to try to minimize the amount of time that they spend outside during the cold season.

A majority of rosacea sufferers have come to realize that indoor heat can also pose a problem for them during the spring and winter seasons. While it can be difficult for them to regulate indoor temperatures when the weather changes, it’s something that may well be worth the effort, especially as it can assist in reducing flare-ups.

Tips on How to Manage the Symptoms

If you are increasingly becoming tired of irritated, itchy, and pink looking skin on your cheeks, you can rely on the following tips to help you manage your symptoms:

• Always take the medication prescribed for you by the physician: It’s possible to manage this condition by sticking to the medication plan recommended for you. Be sure to follow all the recommendations given by the doctor and use the appropriate medication.

• Wear sunblock: Just because the winter season is associated with cold weather patterns doesn’t mean that it can’t still cause sunburn. You can use physical sunscreens, such as zinc oxide, to provide your skin with a much-needed layer of protection.

• Stay away from heat sources: It’s the cold season, so you are probably assuming that this is not an issue. But the chances are that you haven’t even realized just how often you get exposed to irritating heat, which studies have found rosacea sufferers are particularly sensitive to. Triggers can be in the form of the dry air that you are using to keep your office, car, and home warm, as well as regular hot baths.

• Respect your triggers: Learning what triggers your flare-ups and finding a way to stay away from them helps ensure that you remain on track. It’s possible to keep track of what’s causing your flare-ups by maintaining a small journal during the winter season.

• Humidify: You are likely to experience drying winter conditions both in and out of your home. Consider investing in a central humidifier. Another option is to buy a cool-mist humidifier for the places you spend most of your time.

• Avoid hot drinks: Peppermint latte, hot chocolate, and cider are all yummy drinks but are not recommended for consumption by rosacea sufferers. If you have to take them, first give them a few minutes to cool down. A heat surge, regardless of how minor it is, can also act as a trigger if you are not careful.

• Soothe your skin: Consult with your dermatologist about the skincare products you should consider using to help you soothe the skin. The principal rule is to stay away from thick moisturizers and mild skin cleansers. Instead, focus on creams as opposed to using lotions.

Although rosacea is a very common condition, it remains a mystery to doctors and dermatologists around the world. However, treatment options are available and it’s still possible for you to try to figure out your personal triggers. Note them down in a journal during the winter season to enable you to know which are the best times to apply your moisturizer or turn down your heating system.