While most people are not intentionally cruel, sometimes they say things without thinking.  A joke about an alcoholic’s red, bulbous nose, for instance, can be particularly painful to someone who suffers from rhinophyma (thickening of skin around the nose).  Here are some suggestions for dealing with such situations.

While beer, wine or cocktails may play a role in many social events, rosacea patients who are prone to alcohol-related flare-ups often feel vulnerable when it comes time to raise a toast.  Here are some tips to help you feel more at ease when the drinks are flowing freely.

•  Avoid red wine.  Red wine and rosacea flare-ups go hand-in-hand for many sufferers and the best way to lessen the effects is to avoid it.

The stronger winds and cooler temperatures of autumn may trigger rosacea flare-ups.  Manage your rosacea and enjoy the season with some helpful tips:

•  Beat indoor heat.  Adjust your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting and use an indoor humidifier to prevent air dryness.

•  Combat the wind.  Use a scarf to protect your face.  For those with ocular rosacea, sunglasses with UV protection may be an option to protect the eyes.

Many spas, salons and clinics offer cosmetic procedures touted to make your skin look younger and healthier, but rosacea patients with sensitive skin need to be particularly aware of potential side effects.  Here are some tips to keep in mind when considering such treatment:

Sun exposure is a leading rosacea trigger, so here are some tips to help you to safely survive the spring and summer sun:

•  Find the right sunscreen formula.  There are two types of damaging rays: In general, UVA rays age skin; UVB rays burn it.  Not all sunscreens protect against both types, so look for non-chemical sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium dioxide and an SPF of 15 or higher.

While the list of potential lifestyle and environmental factors that may aggravate rosacea is long – ranging from sun and wind to spicy foods, heavy exercise and heated beverages – not everyone is affected by them all. With a little detective work, you can identify and avoid only those things that affect your individual case.

Your dermatologist can be your best defense in keeping your rosacea at bay. Here are some tips to maximize your office visits:

• Be prepared. If you have questions or concerns, write them down ahead of time so you don't forget to discuss any of them.

• "Out of sight" should not mean "out of mind." Alert your doctor about any signs or symptoms that cannot be seen, such as eye discomfort or skin that stings or burns.

Cosmetics can instantly improve the look of your skin and boost your self-confidence about your appearance. Here are some tips to help you look and feel your best.

Sufferers of ocular rosacea, a subtype characterized by irritated eyes, may find their symptoms worsen during unpredictable spring weather. Here are some tips to help ease your seasonal discomfort:

While medical therapy and lifestyle changes to avoid triggers are the cornerstones of any rosacea treatment plan, many rosacea patients have adopted various measures they believe may help their individual cases. Although what may work for one patient may not work for another, the following are some tips sent to the National Rosacea Society from our readers to share with others.

• "During the pollen seasons, I sometimes use antihistamine eyedrops to control itchiness."