Diet is important, and the right diet can produce good results, whilst certain other foods can trigger flushing and red uneven complexion.

Lifestyle is also important, and a busy London or City professional has a far more demanding lifestyle than most, they are often very pressured at work and cannot always keep to a recommended diet.

A busy mum may find it hard  to juggle work, shopping, housework and looking after the children.

It is important to identify and eliminate triggers from your diet.

Certain minerals and vitamins are known to be effective in reducing symptoms.

Vitamin A

This is found in foods such as carrots, eggs and fish etc may help reduce the number of  flare-ups and make symptoms ‘milder’. Taking supplements with beta-carotene may be recommended. Your specialist will advise. 

B Vitamins 

It has been identified that some rosacea sufferers may have low absorption of  riboflavin (B2) in the  liver.

It was also found  that skin mites were unable to live on a person who had a  high riboflavin intake.

Do not take high does of any vitamin without first consulting a doctor or rosacea specialist.

It is possible that taking standard vitamin supplements (available from a chemist or health food shop) may be  recommended.

Essential Fatty Acids

Some omega fatty acids reduce rosacea outbreaks as they have anti-inflammatory properties.

3,6 and 9 omega fatty acids can be found in supplement tablets. They assist the production of prostaglandins which help stimulate the blood vessel contraction  and reduce inflammation.

They are found fish;  sardine, salmon, black cod and mackerel.

Flaxseed has a  similar effect and seeds can be added to cereals and salads.

Foods and beverages

Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties and can be taken in the form of garlic tablets, which may not affect the breath as much if you work in an office.

Some foods and beverages cause flushes or flare-ups and these are called triggers; they vary from person to person. They may be a trigger for one person, but not for another.

It may be recommended that a dietary diary be kept to identify which foods are triggers.

Triggers

A National Rosacea Society survey of 3,151 sufferers affected by foods and drinks produced the following results (Highest percentages have been placed at the top)

Wine identified as ‘irritating their condition’ by  48%

Alcohol was a trigger for 37%

Cayenne pepper affected 36%

Hot coffee affected 35% (65% not affected)

Red pepper 34%

Chocolate was said to be ‘a tripwire’ by  33 % ,

Tomatoes affected  31%  (did not affect 69%).

Hot tea affected 30% -- but 70% were OK.

Citrus fruits affected 27%

and beer affected 26%.

Black pepper 18%

White pepper 9%

Paprika 9%  .

Vegetables e.g. eggplant, spinach, avocados affected less than 5%.

Diet considerations form part of any treatment.

Anyone considering rosacea treatment should have a free first consultation where diet (including vitamins, minerals and foods and food supplements) will be  discussed.

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