I see plenty of patients who suffer from persistent redness and flushing. But one woman in particular inspired me to educate the world at large about rosacea.

This ailment, characterized by facial flushing and prominent blood vessels, affects up to 14 million Americans and is most common in the fair-skinned. It’s often accompanied by pimples, broken blood vessels, enlarged oil glands and redness and thickening of the skin on the nose.

We don’t know what causes rosacea, and as with many conditions, there is probably a strong genetic component. Those descended from Scandinavian or other Northern European stock are more susceptible, though it can affect all ethnicities.

If you experience any of the symptoms of rosacea, see a dermatologist; if caught early, treatment can keep it from developing.

Many people with rosacea think they have acne. They use over-the-counter products with benzoyl peroxide or other ingredients that can be drying and worsen the condition. I warn my patients not to use “anti-redness” creams that contain hydrocortisone or other steroids as these temporarily shrink dilated blood vessels, but the vessels eventually rebound and may even become larger, creating a cycle of redness.

Other things to avoid are spa treatments like facials, some forms of chemical peels, microdermabrasion, hot wax, saunas and steam rooms, as they can irritate sensitive skin. If you do opt for such treatments, make sure your aesthetician is aware of your rosacea and uses suitable anti-inflammatory ingredients.

It is wise to also avoid hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, as well as other acidic products such as serums or creams that contain vitamin C. Instead of facial scrubs and microdermabrasion creams, opt for a cleanser that includes anti- inflammatory ingredients such as chamomile, feverfew, licorice extract, mushroom extract, caffeine and green tea.

Some inexpensive drugstore brands that I recommend include Eucerin Redness Relief cleansers and moisturizers, which contain licorice extract, and Aveeno Ultra Calming products, which contain feverfew. A good one with caffeine, which helps constrict blood vessels, is La Roche Posay Rosaliac. I also like Replenix CF, an antioxidant topical product with both green tea and caffeine. Your doctor can also prescribe a topical antibiotic than contains metronidazole (such as Metro Gel) or a cleanser with sulfacetamide, which is an anti-inflammatory. Elidel cream is the commercial name for pimecrolimus, a prescription cream that calms the immune system and helps control inflammation. In moderate to severe cases of rosacea, oral antibiotics are used. These can be prescribed for months or even years. Tetracyclines are the most commonly used antibiotics, but these may not be right for everybody, as they can lead to sun sensitivity and yeast infections. It’s also possible they could make the birth control pill ineffective.

Several years ago, a low dose form of doxycycline called Oracea was developed. This drug is not a true antibiotic. Instead, it works through its anti-inflammatory properties. Oracea can be used for long periods to prevent and treat rosacea without the complications associated with long-term antibiotic use. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments have revolutionized the treatment of rosacea. IPL shrinks blood vessels to improve facial redness and broken blood vessels with no down time. TRosacea sufferers find it is helpful to avoid spicy foods and hot drinks, but there are some foods that can actually help. Try coffee or tea, cooled down or iced. It’s also important to get enough omega-3 fatty acids. Studies show they can help fight redness and irritation; there’s also some evidence that omega-3s can boost your skin’s defenses against sun damage. Ground flaxseed and fatty fishes like salmon are both great sources or you can take a supplement.

Dr. Leslie Baumann is a board-certified dermatologist and the CEO of the Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute in Miami Beach.