Q. My rosacea is fairly well controlled but I have a lot of skin sensitivity on my face. Is this a problem for other rosacea sufferers, too?

Heat often brings on the signs and symptoms of rosacea, and this can be a problem even in the frosty winter months, according to a recent National Rosacea Society survey of 424 rosacea patients.

For many the coming of fall and winter means strong winds and colder temperatures, both of which can wreak havoc on the sensitive skin of rosacea patients. Even those who live in more moderate climates need to be prepared for sudden weather changes that can bring on a flare-up. Here are some tips to help you through the season:

While people often consider the warm weather and endless sun of summer true delights, new survey results suggest that many rosacea patients are likely to describe the season in much less glowing terms.

Nearly 85 percent of the 1,190 respondents to a recent National Rosacea Society (NRS) survey said their condition is affected by the change in seasons, and almost half said their symptoms are at their worst when the warm weather arrives. Forty-six percent also said they have to make the most lifestyle adjustments during this time to reduce the likelihood of a flare-up.

Q. I can't seem to identify any specific rosacea triggers. What is the best way to find what might be bothering my condition?

Q. My rosacea seems to get worse in the fall and spring. Why would this be so?

Winter conditions may be particularly harsh on patients with ocular rosacea, according to Dr. Guy Webster, associate professor of dermatology at Thomas Jefferson University Medical College in Philadelphia. He noted that eye symptoms of rosacea seem to worsen during this season, perhaps because of the frequent gusty winds and cold temperatures.

Q. Can indoor temperature affect my rosacea?

A. It is possible that indoor temperature could affect rosacea in certain cases, since anything that causes a sufferer to flush may have the potential to lead to a flare-up. Hot weather has been documented on surveys as a rosacea trigger for 53 percent of sufferers, and being "too warm" indoors can also induce flushing.