In a recent NRS survey of 604 rosacea patients on the impact of rosacea on their social life, more than 88 percent said that the effect of rosacea on their appearance had attracted unwanted attention.

About two-thirds of the respondents said they avoided social situations because of their rosacea. Parties and social events were the most common venues for awkward incidents, with 70 percent of patients pointing to them. “Social activities like dancing get too painful when I have a flare-up, so my dance partners notice I feel pain,” one respondent commented.

Funny looks and comments can be difficult to deal with at any time, but handling them at work can be even worse. Yet according to a new survey by the NRS on the impact of rosacea's signs and symptoms in the workplace, that's the reality for most of the estimated 16 million Americans living with this facial skin disorder.

Whether the occasion is a family wedding, a business dinner or a “night on the town,” the desire to look your best is the same.  Here are tips on how to avoid or cope with a flare-up that might otherwise put a damper on the festivities.

Perhaps your rosacea once seemed like a private affair, but you sense those around you may be wondering what is going on with your face. Here are some ways you can discuss rosacea without turning red.

Since knowledge leads to understanding, taking the initiative to inform others about rosacea can put them at ease and make a difference in relationships with others. Here are some ways you can pass on information about rosacea to family, friends, acquaintances and co-workers.

• Look for opportune moments to discuss rosacea. When the conversation seems right, casually mention you have rosacea, a facial condition that affects an estimated 13 million Americans* and is becoming more prevalent as the baby boom generation enters the most susceptible ages.

Q. I have had rosacea for several years and now I've noticed that one of my cousins looks as though she has symptoms of the disease. How do you tell someone you think they have rosacea?