Nearly half of the patients in a recent National Rosacea Society survey said that their rosacea symptoms became worse during changes in seasons. The warm summer months can be a particularly difficult time for the nearly 14 million Americans who suffer from rosacea, especially those who have to deal with the oppressive Florida heat. Fortunately, the same survey also found that 87% of these same patients also reported that making adjustments in their lifestyle and medications during different seasons helped improve their symptoms and overall condition.
By taking a few extra precautions, people who suffer from rosacea can avoid summer flare ups and enjoy this relaxing season to the fullest. At Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, we’re proud to offer medical advice and medications that can help patients in the Windermere area enjoy themselves during every season of the year. If you’d like more information about our practice or are interested in scheduling a consultation appointment, contact us today.
Know Your Triggers
If you’re someone who has suffered from rosacea for a long time, you probably have a good idea of which foods, drinks, and weather conditions tend to trigger your flare-ups. During the warm summer months, it’s particularly important to avoid these triggers, as flare-ups are often made worse by the summer heat. Make sure to continue to take your rosacea medication as prescribed, and don’t forget to bring it along with you if you go on vacation.
Avoid Direct Contact with the Sun
Even if it doesn’t feel particularly hot outside, any kind of direct exposure to the sun can be a potential rosacea trigger. The likelihood of the sun causing flare-ups increases in the summer months, when the sun is particularly intense.
Try to avoid direct sun exposure whenever you can. You can protect yourself by staying in shaded areas, wearing broad-brimmed hats, and making sure that you’re always wearing a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. If you have to participate in an outdoor activity, try to schedule it for the early morning hours when the temperature is lower and the sun isn’t as strong.
Stay Cool
Even if you’re not in direct contact with the sun, the heat and humidity brought by the summer can aggravate your rosacea symptoms. Make sure to keep a cool compress, spray bottle, or ice chips close by at all times. These invaluable tools can help cool you down if you begin to feel yourself overheating.
If you’d like to further prepare yourself for the summer heat, seek out the expertise of a dermatologist that’s helped countless patients just like you. Contact Dermatology and Skin Cancer today to schedule an appointment with either Dr. Jeannette Hudgens or Jennifer Brinckerhoff, PA-C. We look forward to hearing from you!