Most people find heat is a problem in summertime. When you´re living with rosacea, it can be a problem all year round. In winter, indoor heat is potentially as much of an issue as outdoor heat can be in warmer seasons. Instead of simply wearing a sweater or cranking up the thermostat, you need to walk a fine line between being too cold for comfort and so hot your rosacea flares up.

While it´s easy enough to change your clothing (or adjust the room temperature) during the day, at night it´s a different story. A temperature that´s pleasantly warm at bedtime may cause you to overheat while you sleep, triggering a flushing episode. Flannel nightgowns, down pillows, comforters and quilts may all contribute to the problem.

Keeping your cool

The key to avoiding flare-ups is to keep your body in a range that´s warm enough to be comfortable, but not so hot that you trigger a flare-up.

Watch that dial. Try setting your bedroom thermostat lower than usual to a setting that´s cool, but not cold
(65° F).
Lighten up. Many people opt for heavy duvets, comforters or wool blankets in winter. Try using something lighter to help prevent overheating. An electric blanket, which allows you to adjust temperature, may also help.
Keep your fan going. Running a fan in your bedroom at night will keep air circulating. The breeze may help you
stay cool.
Chill. If you experience flare-ups at night, take note of where you experience the heat in your body. Consider applying something cold (an ice pack or bottle of cold water, for example) to the part of your body that feels hot. Washing your face with cool water may also help.
Put yourself on ice. Keep a cup of ice or ice water on your bedside table. A sip of cold water (or allowing a piece of ice to melt in your mouth) will allow your body to keep at a cool temperature.

If you´re still flaring up

If you´ve tried everything you can think of, and flare–ups are still bothering you at night, it´s time to take a look at what you´re doing before you go to bed. It´s possible that something about your nightly routine such as a hot beverage (right before bed) or bedtime snack, a medication you´re taking or another related condition could be causing your symptoms.

Consider keeping a diary to record your evening activities and flare-ups when they occur. This can help identify possible triggers. If changing your behavior doesn´t help, it´s time to talk to your doctor. When you go to your appointment, bring along your diary as well as a list of medications you are taking (including over–the–counter drugs and herbal or alternative remedies) so your doctor can help you identify the cause of your flare ups.

Rosacea support online

The Rosacea Support Group is an internet community where people living with rosacea can ask questions, find answers and support each other. To learn more visit rosacea-support.org.