The unsightly redness, papules and pustules of rosacea can be controlled with medical therapy combined with lifestyle modifications. But untreated symptoms may progress to rhinophyma, a conspicuous condition that sometimes appears at the advanced stage of this common and embarrassing disorder. Most often occurring in men, rhinophyma is the red swollen nose often mistakenly attributed to heavy drinking, such as in the case of the late comedian W. C. Fields.

In addition to the visible symptoms of rosacea, many sufferers report yet another problem -- dry skin, which often results in itching, burning and stinging sensations.

While a host of conditions can cause symptoms that may superficially resemble rosacea, dermatologists are increasingly able to pinpoint this widespread disorder and any concurrent conditions in order to tailor appropriate therapy for the individual patient. Proper diagnosis of rosacea can be especially important, since treatments for similar-appearing conditions can often make rosacea worse.

Tami Carlson thought it was ironic. At the age of 33, she was spending more time pampering and worrying about her complexion than ever before. She was accustomed to blushing and burning easily, a common byproduct of her Scandinavian background, blue eyes and pale skin. But now her face was constantly red and irritated looking. "It was just ridiculous, and at my age," Carlson said.

"It was especially annoying because I had never had any skin problems before." But more than that, her bad skin could effectively sabotage her modeling career.

The first large-scale survey of rosacea symptoms was conducted by the National Rosacea Society, defining the relative frequency of various conditions that may be caused by the disorder as well as some distinct differences in the typical pattern of symptoms experienced by men and women respectively.

Exercise is a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle. But for many rosacea sufferers, flushing from exercise may pose a special challenge if it causes their condition to flare up.

In most cases, precautions or moderation will let you get the exercise you need to remain fit, while minimizing your chances of a flare-up. Here are suggestions on how to proceed with your workout:

• You don't need a high-intensity workout to reap the benefits of exercise. Choose a low-intensity workout -- it's just as beneficial.