While we really don't understand all of the factors which cause rosacea, we do know some of the factors which clearly make it worse, besides alcohol ingestion. The worst of the worsening factors is ingestion of hot liquids, which causes worsening of the reddish component of the problem. The other most common irritant to this problem is caffeine. Both of these factors seem to account, at least partially, for the increased redness of the skin of patient with this problem. The old-timers used to tell us that spicy foods make this problem worse, but there appears to be no evidence of this in my practice, so I don't emphasize avoidance of spicy foods.
Smoking makes rosacea worse.
This is a chronic disease and needs follow up and continual care throughout the years. Remember if you put on one of the above-mentioned tetracycline derivatives, that you should take the capsules or tablets on an empty stomach, either one hour before meals or two hours after meals, to maximize absorption of the medicine. Although the enlarged blood vessels and excessive growth of the tissues on the nose cannot be treated with medications, there are surgical procedures which offer some cosmetic benefits. While much can be done in the prevention, treatment and control of rosacea, awareness of the condition is a necessary first step. If you generate any new questions about rosacea or any other skin conditions which concern you, write them down and we'll discuss them the next time.