While cold blustery weather and ever-advancing age can make dry skin a menace for rosacea patients, medical therapy and careful skin care can help manage and control this problem, according to Dr. Doris Day, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University.

Rosacea patients often must take special precautions in caring for their sensitive skin. Here are some tips for healthier looking skin recommended by physicians.

• Avoid beauty and skin-care products that sting, burn or itch. Read product labels to avoid ingredients that may irritate your individual condition.

Q. I have itching due to rosacea that occurs during the evening and disrupts my sleep. What can I do to alleviate this itching?

A. Sleeping in a room that is too warm often causes itching. A fan or air conditioner may help alleviate this.

The itching also may be caused by overly dry skin or by skin-care products. Avoid rubbing and scratching, which may bring immediate relief but can make matters worse.

Rosacea has a formidable opponent in Beverly Kuykendall. The 53-year-old computer assistant from Texas was diagnosed with the disorder more than 20 years ago, but she has never let her guard down in the battle against rosacea's signs and symptoms. She arms herself with as much knowledge about the condition as possible, so much that friends refer to her as a "cornucopia of information."

Q. I have special sunscreen, topical medication and special makeup. In what order should these three things be applied to my face?

A. From both medical and cosmetic standpoints, it makes much more sense to apply your medication before applying your sunscreen and makeup.

The best offense against a common skin problem such as rosacea is a strong defense, according to Charla Krupp, noted beauty expert and best-selling author, in offering some "makeup makeover" tips and other advice to help rosacea sufferers look their best.

One of the first and most important steps a rosacea patient should take is to ask his or her dermatologist for help in formulating a skin-care plan as early in treatment as possible, Ms. Krupp said. "The average woman spends $100 on beauty products each month, and trial and error is just too expensive."

Rosacea patients often must take special precautions in caring for their sensitive skin. Here are some general guidelines:

• Treat your skin gently. Avoid rough washcloths, loofahs, brushes, sponges and hot water, especially hot showers.

• Let your face rest. After blotting your face dry, wait a few minutes before applying topical medication. Then allow the medication to dry for five to 10 minutes before applying any make-up.

The effects of cosmetics on rosacea can vary widely from helping appearance to aggravating the condition, according to a new survey by the National Rosacea Society.

Among 921 rosacea patients responding to the survey on cosmetics, 30 percent reported that liquid facial foundation helped their appearance, followed by 19 percent who said pressed powder and 17 percent who said cream foundation helped. Another 17 percent reported powder blush helped, while 14 percent said loose powder and 13 percent reported mineral makeup powder improved appearance.

While most rosacea patients know the importance of following their doctor's orders when it comes to daily medication, another critical component of effective rosacea management is often overlooked: an appropriate facial cleansing routine. Dr. Jonathan Wilkin, chairman of the National Rosacea Society's medical advisory board, advises that people with rosacea should always try to avoid irritation, which may be considered the cornerstone of appropriate facial care for rosacea patients. "The key is to avoid anything that burns, stings or irritates your face," he emphasized.

Q: Should I avoid day spa treatments such as facials, exfoliation and steaming if I have rosacea?