Though rosacea's signs and symptoms may often be unpredictable and frustrating, three basic practices - adherence to medical therapy, avoiding triggers and gentle skin care - can help bring it under control on a long-term basis.

"Patients must first make a strong commitment to long-term medical therapy," said Dr. Boni Elewski, vice chair of dermatology at the University of Alabama - Birmingham.

Q. Does each flare-up increase my chances of permanent facial redness?

Rosacea has commonly been characterized as a disease of flare-ups and remissions, and data from a recent National Rosacea Society survey of 954 patients confirm that pattern.

More than 55 percent of the respondents said they experience an outbreak or increased intensity of symptoms at least once a month, including 24 percent who noted they have a flare-up every few days, 15 percent who said once a week, and the remainder who said once a month. Another 25 percent said they have a flare-up every few months.

Q. How quickly does a rosacea flare-up occur after contact with a trigger factor?

A. Although there are currently no data on how quickly exposure to a rosacea trigger may lead to a flare-up, the timing is likely to vary depending on the individual and nature of the trigger. You might try monitoring your individual case to see how quickly you respond to specific triggers. And remember, while a wide range of factors has been identified as potential triggers, not every trigger affects every individual.

Don't fall behind in your rosacea care this season. The cooler weather, hectic holidays and stress of the season are all reasons not to fall down when it comes to taking care of your rosacea. Here are some tips for minimizing flare-ups.

Nobody likes to be on the hot seat. Yet that's where many with rosacea may find themselves this summer unless they take special care to prevent the common rosacea pitfalls of the hot season.

"The sun and hot weather both tend to exacerbate rosacea, and can make outdoor activities especially challenging for people with this condition," said Dr. James Del Rosso, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, University of Nevada School of Medicine. "Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to minimize these effects."

Q. Does caffeine in coffee or tea cause rosacea flare-ups?

What happens when you aggravate rosacea? For those afflicted with this widespread disorder, contact with their personal trigger events -- which may include any of a wide array of environmental or lifestyle factors usually associated with flushing - can set into motion the physiological process whose outward signs are recognized as rosacea.