Rosacea Flushing

Hello. My main problem is daily facial flushing episodes that I believe are caused from the very cold temperatures in my work environment.  I live in Miami, FL, and I work in an office where the AC runs non-stop, all day long.  I dread the end of the day when I have to go out to the very warm air and a very hot car in the parking lot. Within minutes of my leaving the office, my face is bright red and hot. I rarely have flushing problems during the weekend; this is mainly a Monday-Friday problem. I'm convinced that it's the change in temperature that triggers the flushing. Also, I'm sure the dryness of the AC air doesn't help either.  I've asked that the temperature be adjusted but I'm told that because of the age of the building and the AC system, there's little anything can be done to make things better.  Is there anything that I might be able to do to prepare my face before leaving the building so that the drastic change in temperature isn't so destructive?  What can I do to minimize the damage of the flushes?  Thank you in advance for any input you can provide.

HMG

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

There isn't any damage from the flushing.  The blood vessels open and then close, leaving you no worse off overall.  As to preventing the flushing, the only way I know is to avoid what triggers it.  Given what you've told me, I can't think of a way.  You might try taking a non-sedating, over-the-counter antihistamine like Claritin for a week or so.  It may not make a difference, but at least it's wort a try.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff