With in-person events canceled and many people working from home due to the pandemic, video calls have become more common in our lives than ever before. This can be particularly challenging for those dealing with a flare-up of rosacea signs and symptoms. Here are a few tips for making this challenging social circumstance nothing more than simply routine.

Be direct. If you risk spending the call preoccupied by the fear that others are curious about your skin, consider mentioning that you’re having a rosacea flare-up at the beginning of the call when you introduce yourself. Explain that flare-ups are often triggered by environmental and other factors. Then simply move on with the discussion and purpose of the call.

Relax. One of the benefits of video calling is that it can be done from anywhere, most often from home while wearing pajamas from the waist down. While professional meetings are frequently conducted via video conference, it is a decidedly more casual form of communication, so there’s no need to look perfect. Avoid wearing makeup if it may irritate your skin.

Cover up if it makes you feel better. Communications of any sort go more smoothly when you’re feeling selfconfident, whether in-person or online. If concealing your rosacea with makeup will make you feel more comfortable, go right ahead and do so. Just remember to wash it off.

Turn off the video. You’re not obligated to use the video feature on every call. In the digital age, it’s common to join video calls while traveling or working in a public space where video may not be available or appropriate. If you’re not in the mood to show your face, simply turn off your video.

Take your medication. As always, be sure to use your rosacea therapy and avoid your personal trigger factors to control your symptoms and minimize the chances of a flare-up.