Q. I have had rosacea for several years and now I've noticed that one of my cousins looks as though she has symptoms of the disease. How do you tell someone you think they have rosacea?

A. Since surveys show rosacea tends to run in families, it's quite possible your cousin might be exhibiting the disease, especially if she has a similar skin type to yours. However, only a proper evaluation by a qualified physician can provide a reliable diagnosis. You may want to start a conversation with your cousin by simply talking about your own rosacea. Let her know what it is, how it begins as a simple redness, and that it can run in families. Encourage her to see a dermatologist for early detection to prevent more severe symptoms from developing. Refer her to the National Rosacea Society for information.

Q. I have a mild case of rosacea. As I get older will my rosacea get worse?

A. There's no way to predict for certain how an individual's rosacea will progress, although in a National Rosacea Society survey about half of rosacea sufferers said their condition advanced from early to middle stage within a year. Fortunately, compliance with medical therapy and lifestyle modifications to avoid rosacea triggers has been shown to effectively halt rosacea's progression and control its symptoms on a long-term basis. Your best defense is to follow your doctor's orders and be diligent in your efforts to reduce your personal tripwires.