The first time my face became a liability, I was at an office holiday party.
Hey, she asked.
Are you doing OK?
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Her question threw me off; my confusion must have been obvious by my stammered reply.
You just look really red, she explained, peering at me with evident concern.
I wanted to check in and check that that you hadnt had too much to drink.
I hustled to the bathroom and leaned over the sink to examine my face.
To many people, these dont look like the symptoms of a skin disorder.
It looks like you drink too much, that youre upset or angry, or that youve been crying.
Simply put, it looks like youve got other problems.
Rosacea is a chronic condition, but its not a constant companion.
I can go weeks or even months without a major flare-up.
Some people experience more flare-ups in the summer, triggered by the sun and heat.
Theres something about holiday parties in particular that brings out the worst of it.
Then I just hope for the best.
The ultimate cause of rosacea is still unknown, and there is no cure.
Whats clear is that the cause does not lie entirely on the skins surface.
In people with rosacea, these reflexes seem to be hair-trigger-sensitive and prolonged.
So anything that causes blood vessels to dilate can trigger a flare-up.
But also warmth: an overheated office, or sitting snugly by the fireplace.
Alcohol is a major onethis is why wine, liquor, and beer can all cause facial flushing.
Spicy foods are another.
Winters warming drinkshot coffee, hot cocoa, mulled cider, peppermint teaare also potential triggers.
Anxiety exacerbates rosacea symptoms.
Theres growing evidence that rosacea may take a toll on mental health.
In the absence of a cure, self-care is often recommended as the first line of defense.
Were told to be gentle to our skin, and take precautions to minimize sun damage.
And avoid known triggers, including foods and other situations that can bring on a flare-up.
For years, Ive been ashamed of the way rosacea makes me look.
All the things that Id worked so hard to cover up and tamp down, glowing through.
This holiday season, Im taking a different approach.
