Your dermatologist can be your best defense in keeping your rosacea at bay. Here are some tips to maximize your office visits:

• Be prepared. If you have questions or concerns, write them down ahead of time so you don't forget to discuss any of them.

• "Out of sight" should not mean "out of mind." Alert your doctor about any signs or symptoms that cannot be seen, such as eye discomfort or skin that stings or burns.

While rosacea is usually treated by a dermatologist, a new survey by the National Rosacea Society suggests that other health specialists are often the first to notice a patient might have the disorder.

In the survey of 1,584 rosacea patients, 38 percent said a non-dermatologist first noticed their condition and 26 percent were referred to a specialist. Nearly 73 percent of the latter were referred to a dermatologist, and 12 percent were referred to an eye doctor for treatment of ocular rosacea.

A new patient survey by the National Rosacea Society (NRS) confirmed that communication between doctors and patients is generally good, while suggesting certain opportunities for improvement.

Rosacea can be a complex disorder with a diverse range of symptoms that can be triggered or aggravated by an even wider array of potential lifestyle and environmental factors. Because this is a chronic condition that is treated with prescription medications, periodic visits with your dermatologist are likely. Here are some ways you can make those visits especially worthwhile.

• Prepare for your visit. If you have concerns or questions about your rosacea, write them down and take them with you.