Once thought of as a rare mysterious malady, rosacea is now the fifth most common diagnosis made by dermatologists, according to figures recently published in Skin and Allergy News.

Although the frequency of rosacea diagnosis ranks only behind that of such well-known skin disorders as acne, dermatitis, psoriasis and actinic keratosis, it was not until recent years that rosacea has become widely identified as one of the most common dermatological conditions.

You've been diagnosed with rosacea, but you're still confused -- perhaps you've tried certain medications to no avail, and you're not sure whether your facial redness and bumps are due to too much sun or to something you ate. You'd like to talk to someone to get some advice.

A dermatologist, a physician who specializes in dealing with the skin and its diseases, is the health-care professional best qualified to accurately diagnose your condition and determine the best course of medical treatment.

Q. It seems the list of tripwires that might trigger rosacea flare-ups is endless, and now I am afraid to try anything. What should I do?

A. Numerous items have been identified by various rosacea sufferers as causing rosacea flare-ups in their particular cases. However, because each individual is unique, what causes a flare-up for one sufferer may not for another. Before you start avoiding everything, try keeping track of your daily activities and the corresponding condition of your rosacea to pinpoint and avoid exactly what seems to aggravate your particular case.