Rosacea, characterized by facial redness and swelling, commonly can
be triggered by spicy foods or alcohol. In fact, a survey conducted by
the National Rosacea Society found that the most common rosacea triggers
are alcohol (52 percent), spicy foods (45 percent) and heated beverages
(36 percent). “Patients with rosacea should keep a journal to track their
food and beverage triggers, so they can record how the experience made
them feel and remind themselves to avoid these items in the future,” advised
Dr. Taylor. “They also should read the labels at the grocery store and
proceed with caution when it comes to spices, such as cayenne, red, black
and white pepper, curry, chili powder, and even salsa.”
In addition, foods such as liver, vinegar, soy sauce, dairy products,
certain fruits and vegetables, hot chocolate, cider, tea and coffee have
been known to cause flare-ups in some rosacea patients. Another chronic
skin condition that can be aggravated by food is eczema, which is commonly
characterized by dry, red and itchy patches on the skin. Foods that have
been known to worsen eczema symptoms include eggs, milk, peanuts, soy,
wheat and fish, while some patients even report that chocolate, coffee,
alcohol, tomatoes and sugar can trigger a flare-up. Dr. Taylor added that
juices from meats and fruits can irritate already-sensitive skin when
they come in contact with the skin, and she suggested that eczema patients
also should keep a trigger journal as a reference for what foods or drinks
may have caused a flare-up.