Exercising with rosacea (extreme flushing)

Magenta96
Magenta96 Posts: 11 Member
edited November 13 in Fitness and Exercise
I was recently diagnosed with rosacea, when I get hot or run, or eat anything spicy, my skin gets extremely red, almost like I've been sunburned, my skin will also feel very sensitive to touch and will burn, it's really uncomfortable as you'd imagine. I used to go running and biking anyway but it would really aggravate my condition, my face would literally start throbbing due to the increased blood flow. I was put on steroids and now use antibiotics, topical creams daily to calm down the flushing but I'm not meant to do any extreme cardio, or things like running or biking like I used to. I find even if I do some sit ups, eventually my skin begins to flush.

The only type of exercise I can think of is medium-paced walking or maybe swimming. Swimming isn't very convenient at the moment as it's freezing and the nearest pool is miles away but is the walking idea any good! Any other ideas? Thank you.

Replies

  • Magenta96
    Magenta96 Posts: 11 Member
    Last summer I'd go to the gym almost everyday, I was well aware that after about 5 minutes of running, my skin was going to burn and go bright red so I'd go with layers of foundation on, and it was horrible waking up in the morning, caking myself in foundation just so I wouldn't look like I'm about to pass out at the gym, so I'm really just looking for a more gentle exercise unfortunately. This whole flushing thing makes me so self-conscious.
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    Have you talked to your doctor? Maybe you could ask about meds as described here:

    http://www.rosacea.org/rr/2006/fall/article_2.php

    For example, physicians may prescribe aspirin or similar agents, antihistamines and other medications to help reduce flushing from substances that cause the blood vessels to dilate -- such as alcohol, certain drugs, the vitamin niacin or certain of the body's own chemicals such as histamine.

    (Maybe try an OTC antihistamine?)

    On the other hand, he said, flushing controlled by the autonomic nerves -- that is, an unconscious response that causes flushing accompanied by sweating -- often results from such factors as warm temperatures, heavy exercise or hot beverages. In these cases, he said, flushing may be reduced or even blocked by cooling the neck and face with a cold wet towel or fan. Ice chips held in the mouth and drinking ice water may also be effective.

    "In some cases, clonidine or a beta-blocker such as nadolol may be prescribed to reduce stress-related flushing," he said.

    Otherwise, yup, I guess you're left with long, slow, steady cardio, like walking. And lifting (probably at a slow pace, though), which is good for you for lots of reasons.
  • Magenta96
    Magenta96 Posts: 11 Member
    tomatoey wrote: »
    Have you talked to your doctor? Maybe you could ask about meds as described here:

    http://www.rosacea.org/rr/2006/fall/article_2.php

    For example, physicians may prescribe aspirin or similar agents, antihistamines and other medications to help reduce flushing from substances that cause the blood vessels to dilate -- such as alcohol, certain drugs, the vitamin niacin or certain of the body's own chemicals such as histamine.

    (Maybe try an OTC antihistamine?)

    On the other hand, he said, flushing controlled by the autonomic nerves -- that is, an unconscious response that causes flushing accompanied by sweating -- often results from such factors as warm temperatures, heavy exercise or hot beverages. In these cases, he said, flushing may be reduced or even blocked by cooling the neck and face with a cold wet towel or fan. Ice chips held in the mouth and drinking ice water may also be effective.

    "In some cases, clonidine or a beta-blocker such as nadolol may be prescribed to reduce stress-related flushing," he said.

    Otherwise, yup, I guess you're left with long, slow, steady cardio, like walking. And lifting (probably at a slow pace, though), which is good for you for lots of reasons.

    Thank you for your response. My doctor and dermatologist have been trying pretty hard to figure out how to control my condition, at first they gave me steroid tablets and steroid creams, which made things a lot worse. They gave me antihistamines which had no effect. The antibiotic and anti-inflammatory cream I'm using right now, helps a little bit though. I have an appointment with my dermatologist in about 2 weeks to discuss things so maybe we'll figure something out hopefully!

    Yeah I guess I am stuck with moderate/slow exercise at the moment. Oh well, I guess it's just one of those things. :)
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    Ah, sorry. Well, I hope you find a good solution, or, that you find a way to make the slower cardio feel ok :/ Good luck :)
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