After having signs of rosacea for 30 years and being told by doctors that she just blushed easily, Marge Proctor has finally been diagnosed with the disorder by a dermatologist.

"I thought my red face, bumps and pimples and burning and itching eyes were something I just had to learn to live with, until the Internet led me to the National Rosacea Society's Web site at rosacea.org," she said. "I subscribed to the newsletter and began to read and inform myself about this complex disorder."

Although it had taken time and patience going to several different physicians over the years, Proctor finally found a dermatologist in Salt Lake City who confirmed that her condition was rosacea. Along with the diagnosis she was prescribed an oral antibiotic, a topical medication and a sun block for sensitive skin.

"I've also watched my daily activities for rosacea triggers," she said. "The one thing that I discovered was that when I dried my hair with a blow dryer, the hot air really made my face flare up." Although she considers it a simple thing to have learned, Proctor finds that keeping the dryer on the low or cool setting helps immeasurably, and she also avoids red wine and spicy foods.

"I feel it's a miracle that I've gone from having 30 to 40 pimples and bumps, and eyes that had become quite inflamed and sore, to now having my face and eyes clear," said Proctor. She wants people to know that persistence, along with taking prescribed therapy and making minor lifestyle adjustments, has really paid off.

"I would say I've improved 100 percent," Proctor said. "Can you imagine how happy I am?"