From the Guidelines
Alcohol can indeed cause a flare of rosacea, and it is advisable to limit or avoid its consumption, especially during active flares. Rosacea is a chronic relapsing facial skin disease that presents with one or more of the following features: recurrent flushing, erythema, inflammatory lesions, phymas, and telangiectasias 1. The exact mechanism behind alcohol's effect on rosacea involves its vasodilatory properties and its impact on the body's inflammatory response.
Some key points to consider when managing rosacea and alcohol consumption include:
- Identifying and avoiding personal triggers, with alcohol being just one of many possible factors
- Staying hydrated by drinking water alongside alcoholic beverages to help minimize symptoms
- Considering tracking reactions to different alcoholic beverages to identify specific triggers
- Discussing the use of antihistamines before consuming alcohol with a healthcare provider, as some people find this helps reduce flushing
It's essential to note that while alcohol can exacerbate rosacea symptoms, the condition's management often requires a comprehensive approach, including gentle skin care, sun protection, and potentially topical or oral treatments, as recommended by the global Rosacea Consensus (ROSCO) panel 1.
In terms of specific treatment options, a phenotype-led treatment algorithm can be useful, considering the individual patient's expression of concern and desire for treatment 1. However, the primary focus should be on managing the condition through lifestyle modifications and avoiding triggers, including alcohol consumption.
From the Research
Rosacea and Alcohol Consumption
- Alcohol consumption is considered a potential trigger for rosacea flare-ups 2
- A study found that increased severity of rosacea was significantly associated with consuming multiple alcoholic beverages in one day 2
- Limiting alcohol consumption over short periods of time may be a practical measure for managing rosacea 2
Treatment of Rosacea
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) has been shown to be an effective treatment for rosacea, reducing redness, flushing, and acneiform breakouts 3, 4
- IPL can be used in combination with other treatments, such as topical or oral antibiotics, to achieve optimal results 5
- Pulsed dye laser is also an effective treatment for rosacea, with similar efficacy to IPL 6
Triggers and Management of Rosacea
- In addition to alcohol, other triggers for rosacea include sun exposure, and employment in jobs requiring extensive sun exposure 2
- Increasing sun protection, especially in the summer, may be a practical measure for managing rosacea 2
- A multifaceted approach to treatment, including trigger avoidance and photoprotection, is warranted for optimal management of rosacea 5