I have a question...

[faust405245]

I wasn't sure if I should put this in the lifestyle section or not...

Okay, my question is this: if you eat/drink/consume, something that induces a flush (I'm thinking about alcohol here) do you just flush once and then it passes? What I mean is if I go on a night out and have a beer say and then flush - Will this flush go and I can carry on drinking without worrying about it again or will I just stay flushed all night?

I can't decide whether to go out or not. Haven't been out since my rosacea hit (Nearly a year now I guess) but my friend's coming back from Australia and I would like to go out...

Is there anything I can drink that doesn't cause a flush?

[shrimpy]

That's a tough question. I think it's different for everyone and it probably changes for individuals too.

A few months ago, even a few sips of alcohol would have me flushed badly for quite awhile. After not having any alcohol for a month, I was able to have a few drinks without flushing. After a few days of that, I'd get flushed but nothing bad. A few more days of drinking and I flush really bad where it lasts. Also, I find that the next day is sometimes more of a reaction than when I'm drinking (or eating spicy foods). For me, moderation really is key.

If you are going to drink, wine seems like the obvious first thing to avoid. I find bourbon on the rocks with a glass of ice water is best for me, followed by beer as second best. Luckily for me, bourbon is my drink of choice. I do miss red wine though.

My advice to you is just decide if you're willing to flush for a night or day or two in order to have fun and then go with it. If you go out with your friends and end up flushing, don't worry too much about it and just enjoy yourself since there's not much you can do about it at that point.

[Melissa W]

Take an antihistamine and drink plenty of cool water b/w alcoholic drinks.
Also, eat something before you start drinking so you aren't drinking on an empty stomach. I find wine is the worst offender re flushing and gin works best for me. But everyone is different.

Regarding the duration of your flush that will depend so no help there. Sometimes a flush lasts long and sometimes it doesn't. Drinking cool water in between drinks should help.

GL!

Melissa

ps I am moving this to lifestyle section

[faust405245]

Okay, well I'm going for it: tonight I face the twin demons of alcohol and warm pub. To say I'm scared is an understatement, but to hell with it right, can't let rosacea beat me. Slightly worried as to how I'll react if I feel a flush hit me later, but I have to try.
I realise I sound a bit of an idiot here, but I don't care. I haven't been out for a year because of rosacea (mainly anyway) so this is kind of a big deal for me.
Wish me luck...

[Melissa W]

Good luck Faust!
I hope you are having a wonderful time!
(you don't sound like an idiot btw....we all understand how you are feeling)

[faust405245]

Okay, I went. All that worrying, in the end it wasn't so bad at all. I'm pretty sure I flushed at least once, but by then I was drunk so I didn't care.