At some point, many rosacea patients may be confronted with tactless queries or unspoken suspicions about their facial appearance. Whether it is a blunt question such as "What's wrong with your face?" or simply a puzzled stare, rosacea sufferers can handle these situations constructively without undermining their self-confidence or self-esteem by using them as opportunities to educate others about the disorder.

Rosacea is often much more than a cosmetic problem and may need to be recognized by a broader spectrum of the medical community, according to a new survey by the National Rosacea Society.

In the survey of 2,113 rosacea patients, 45 percent said they were prompted to seek diagnosis and treatment because of the emotional, social or professional consequences of their condition, while 37 percent were motivated by the physical discomfort of rosacea symptoms. Only 33 percent of the respondents were motivated by changes in appearance alone.

Severe rosacea symptoms often have a substantial impact on people's work lives, according to a new survey by the National Rosacea Society.

In the survey of more than 700 rosacea patients, 66 percent of those with severe symptoms said rosacea had affected their professional interactions, and 33 percent had cancelled or postponed business meetings because of their appearance. Twenty-eight percent said they had missed work because of their condition, and 28 percent also said it may even have influenced their being chosen for a new job or promotion.

Although rosacea has had a negative impact on the social lives of many rosacea sufferers, the situation usually improves following effective therapy, according to a survey of Rosacea Review readers.

"Looking good" isn't just a concern of the young. Mature adults also want to make a good impression, and even those firmly established in long-term social relationships want to be at their best for social occasions.

Here are tips on how to avoid or cope with a flare-up that could imperil your social life.

• Be prepared. In the days before special occasions, take particular care to avoid lifestyle factors that affect your individual condition. Also be sure to use all medication as prescribed in the weeks before.

Some rosacea sufferers have reported that the physical effects of the disease have led to rude comments, stares or even jokes about their appearance. Here are some ways you can take control of these situations and feel good about yourself:

• Realize that most individuals are unaware of rosacea, so take into account that most reactions are simply caused by curiosity and ignorance of the disease, rather than some negative intent.