Q. Would having microdermabrasion or a glycolic acid peel help or hurt my rosacea?

A. Many rosacea patients have unusually sensitive skin. These procedures should be discussed with your dermatologist or other physician, and make sure they are performed by a physician experienced in these procedures.

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) has issued consumer safety tips for skin treatments, and additional information may be obtained by calling the ASDS hotline at 1-800-441-2737.

Q. Is there any relationship between rosacea and herpes simplex? I am very, very prone to cold sores and take prescribed medications for them. But my rosacea seems to be getting more and more prominent. Can the two be related?

A. There is no known relationship between rosacea and herpes simplex or any data on studies linking these disorders.

Concerns about your rosacea becoming more prominent should be discussed with your doctor, and let him or her know if you also have been diagnosed with other disorders and the medications you have been prescribed.