Rosacea is a skin condition that can really affect daily life. In fact, 40% of patients say they avoid being in public when their symptoms flare up. What causes those flare-ups?

That's the big question for patients. But nailing down what your triggers are, is good ammunition for controlling symptoms.

Barbara Kasinecz saw the first signs of rosacea after spending time in a sauna, "You know, it didn't dawn on me that it was rosacea. I thought it was just because of the steam bath."

But the heat and humidity triggered a flare-up. "Essentially, your trigger, your alcohol, your coffee, your hot shower in the morning, sitting and soaking in a hot bath tub, those are all things that allow those fragile capillaries to create that flushing, blushing effect," says Dr. Pamela Meyer.

She says untreated, that blushing can turn to inflamed bumps, pimples and thickened skin, "Identifying your triggers is so very important because if you can identify them and you can avoid them, you can slow or stop the progression of the rosacea."

The list of triggers is long and varied. To find yours, Dr. Meyer suggests a 'challenge,' "If you think that you're sensitive to yogurt, which is also on the list, have some yogurt, see what your skin does over the next 24 hours."

If you become flushed or pimply, let it clear and try again several weeks later. "If the same experience occurs, then that would be identifiable as a trigger for you," says Dr. Meyer.

Since her steam bath, barbara's found other things that aggravate her rosacea, like spicy food, stress, and the wind when she rides her Harley. "I have a full shield mask which helps a lot," says Barbara.

These aren't the only triggers, so if you'd like more information on them, and treatments head to the National Rosacea Society at www.rosacea.org