Insensitive questions about facial appearance can be a double whammy for rosacea sufferers — the questions may not only cause embarrassment, but can lead to stress that may make the symptoms even worse. Fortunately, however, rosacea patients can usually bring this potentially destructive cycle to a halt by reacting positively, according to psychologists familiar with dermatological disorders.

For many the coming of fall and winter means strong winds and colder temperatures, both of which can wreak havoc on the sensitive skin of rosacea patients. Even those who live in more moderate climates need to be prepared for sudden weather changes that can bring on a flare-up. Here are some tips to help you through the season:

While the hot, spicy flavors of many cuisines offer a virtual explosion of taste, for many with rosacea such foods may result in an explosion of signs and symptoms as well. Here are some tips to keep a little sizzle in your meal without triggering a flare-up.

• Pass on hot peppers. In surveys, cayenne and red pepper were cited as rosacea triggers by more than a third of rosacea patients, while black pepper affected 18 percent and white pepper affected 9 percent.

With the arrival of spring and summer, the need to beat the heat grows even more urgent for the many rosacea sufferers whose symptoms are triggered by high temperatures. Beyond the many tried-and-true measures, readers have shared additional ideas for keeping your cool whether outdoors or inside.

Advance planning makes any vacation more successful, so when you make your travel reservations, don't forget to plan strategies to keep your rosacea under control. The following suggestions can lead to a more enjoyable getaway.

• Play it safe with prescriptions. You don't want to get stuck in a faraway place without your rosacea medication, so pack it in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost or delayed.

Patient surveys have shown that emotional stress is one of the leading triggers of rosacea's signs and symptoms. Especially as we head into the busy holiday season, here are some tips that may help you to cope.

Summer can be a troublesome time for rosacea sufferers, as avoiding some of the most common rosacea triggers -- the sun, hot weather and humidity -- requires special attention. Follow these tips for a successful summer season.

• Know your triggers. If you have identified the lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to your flare-ups, you have a better chance of controlling your condition.

Facial burning and stinging are common symptoms of rosacea, but many rosacea patients also feel an emotional sting when acquaintances or even strangers make insensitive comments about their condition. Here are some tips for dealing with those awkward situations.

From Thanksgiving through Super Bowl Sunday, rosacea patients are faced with family gatherings and parties that offer tempting food and drink -- some of which could trigger a flare-up. Here are some tips to minimize holiday distress:

• Avoid known food triggers. Identify and avoid foods that affect your individual case. Spicy foods, tomatoes and chocolate are some triggers identified in patient surveys.

Doctors frequently prescribe topical therapy to control the bumps and pimples of rosacea. Here are some tips to get the maximum benefit from your medication by incorporating it into your skin-care routine.

• Start clean. Wash your face each morning with a very mild or non-soap cleanser, being careful not to scrub or irritate the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water.

• Gently blot dry. Pat your face with a soft, thick-pile towel. Don't pull, tug, scrape or scratch. Allow any remaining dampness to air dry.