Rosacea Support Group

Hello Hannabee,
I was just diagnosed with Rosacea on Monday! I have been reading everything I can get my hands on and was also wondering what dietery changes I can make. I also love coffee so dropped it immediately when it was on the 'no' list. I tried a little this morning that I had cooled right down in the fridge but I find that I feel more 'itchy' this morning so I'm not going to do that again. That is on my 'no' list now. I have read that vegetarians seem to fair better because they are already eating no meat (fish and chicken are the preferred meats on the list) and so they aren't in such a shock when they have to give things up. So...I am eating more that way to see how it goes. It's so early for me I think to see much difference. My condition is not as severe as some so I'm grateful. This will be a life changing experience.

Foods can really wreak havoc. Citrus, tomatoes, bananas, strawberries, watermelon, beer to name a few. Those are the most upsetting for my skin--turns red & itchy right away as well as sunburn feeling. I was diagnosed a few years ago--very mild. Hormone changes (perimenopause) in last 6 mos.kicked it up a notch and now I'm taking doxycycline to reduce symptoms. Only on it 3 wks so far. Just starting to see some results. Don't have nausea, but horrible muscle pain in arms. Not sure it's related, but timing is the same. Oh God, having a 'flash," have to turn on fan...hate this!!!!!

thank you for the replies! I have eliminated Figs, and orange carrots. I used to eat about a pound of orange baby carrots a day, and at least two servings of dried figs, and those eliminations have really helped a lot. I haven't had the strength to give up my coffee yet. I love everything about coffee, from the smell of it brewing to the taste, to the way the cup warms my hands. I have cut way back, but have not been able to eliminate it.
I tried eating some beef today and I flushed right away. I think beef will be off the menu now. I really don't eat it that often. I just sounded good, (and it was good), but I got noticeably red after eating it, so no more.

I just changed my exercise routine, too. If I work out too strenuously, I get red as a tomato and my Rosacea gets a lot worse, no matter how quickly I shower.

Believe it or not, for me, too much water was horrible. I suddenly had little red itchy bumps all over cheeks that I hadn't had before. Also, cut down to 100 mg of Doxycycline vs 200mg. Those 2 changes made a huge difference. Also, can't stress enough--Chocolate is a killer.

My gosh! Too much water? Really? I wonder what is in the water? We get print outs of the water quality here, but I don't think I ever really read them before. We have a brita water filter, and I always use it because our water tastes funky, like a skunk took a swim in the well or something.

caffeine, spicey foods and when I eat a big meal makes my rosacea flair up. I tried metrogel it made it worse so I tried 8 laser treatments and had some ok results. what minerals do others use to help even out their skin tone?

My skin is not as red looking and my breakouts are a lot less frequent, but it still looks pretty dull all over. I am also interesting in knowing how people get their skin to look better. I take a multivitamin, but not much else.

Hannabee & LIttlered, that's some nasty water you have. I have one of those filters on my kitchen faucet. I think all of the chemicals (esp chlorine) is too harsh for me. I've cut down on water to see whether it was that or too much doxy. Cutting down to 1 doxycylcine a day made a huge difference--much, much better. I'm going to add more water and see if it triggers the red bumps again. I thnk Omega 3's fish oil might help--I'll try that soon. I mentioned this on another comment, but my dermatologist has a pretty good concoction that works, Metronidazole & Hydrocortisone--for me, that's the only thing that keeps the redness at a minimum and takes care of the red bumps on cheeks when they pop up. The sulfer topical creams exacerbate the problem immensely & immediately. I can't seem to find anything that helps the rosacea acne on my chin & forehead. Keep in touch :)