Rosacea and Diet Relationship: Pay Attention to Triggering Foods
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by erythema, telangiectasias, papules and pustules, especially in the middle part of the face. Despite its widespread occurrence, its etiopathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Ankara Life Polyclinic dermatologist Dr. Fatma Yıldız states that this disease may be associated with many factors such as genetic predisposition, infectious causes, vascular hyperreactivity, psychogenic factors and environmental triggers.

The Role of Diet in Rosacea Flare-ups
It has been observed for years that diet can be an important trigger in rosacea patients. In addition to factors such as ultraviolet rays, temperature changes and stress, consumed foods can also be effective in flaring the lesions. The following food groups in particular can aggravate rosacea symptoms:

1. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods, especially products such as hot peppers, can trigger neurogenic inflammation and cause rosacea flare-ups. This is associated with the release of a neuropeptide called “substance P”. Substance P triggers mast cell degranulation, vasodilation and an inflammatory response. Substances such as capsaicin (hot peppers), cinnamic aldehyde (cinnamon) and mustard oil can initiate these processes by activating the TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels.

2. Cinnamon Oil and Cinnamon Products
In recent years, cinnamon has become popular due to its blood sugar-lowering effect. However, high doses of products such as cinnamon oil can cause rosacea flare-ups due to their vasodilator effects. In the literature, it has been reported that rosacea symptoms increased in a type 2 diabetic patient who used high doses of cinnamon oil.

3. Foods That Contain Histamine or Cause Histamine Release
Histamine intolerance can trigger rosacea. Foods that cause this condition include cheese, kefir, pickles, processed meat products, some fruits and vegetables (tomatoes, eggplant, chocolate, bananas, pineapples), sauces containing vinegar, and seafood. These foods either contain histamine or increase histamine release.

4. Alcohol
Alcohol can increase vasodilation, causing facial redness and exacerbation of rosacea symptoms. Alcohol intake leads to activation of the kallikrein-kinin system and an increase in plasma bradykinin. This may be more pronounced in individuals who consume white wine and liqueur. However, the relationship between alcohol and rosacea is not clear in some studies, but it has been shown that the risk increases depending on the dose.

5. B Vitamins
Especially high doses of vitamins B6 and B12 can cause acneiform eruptions similar to rosacea. Niacin (vitamin B3) can cause facial redness, headache and hypotension by causing vasodilation in high doses, while the nicotinamide form can have a positive effect by supporting skin barrier functions when used topically.

6. Hot Beverages
Hot beverages cause a sudden increase in body temperature and dilate the vessels on the face, which can trigger rosacea flare-ups. Studies have found that redness that occurs after coffee and tea consumption is related to the temperature of the beverages rather than caffeine.

Conclusion and Recommendations
Diet regulation is important in order to prevent flare-ups in rosacea patients. Patients' eating habits, alcohol and supplement use should be carefully questioned. However, the relationship between diet and rosacea has not yet been clarified and more clinical studies are needed.

Dr. Fatma Yıldız emphasizes that determining the triggers of this disease and planning personalized treatment provide effective results. Individuals experiencing an increase in rosacea symptoms are strongly recommended to consult a dermatologist and have a detailed evaluation.

Ankara Life Polyclinic – Dr. Fatma Yıldız