Q. I have special sunscreen, topical medication and special makeup. In what order should these three things be applied to my face?

A. From both medical and cosmetic standpoints, it makes much more sense to apply your medication before applying your sunscreen and makeup.

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.

Q. Is there any way to control blushing? I feel anxious and inhibited when I am in a small group because I feel my whole face is glowing red.

A. Blushing is a common phenomenon, especially in people whose fair skin cannot hide the sudden onset of facial redness. It is often caused by emotions, but can also be triggered by a variety of environmental and other factors.

Q. I've been using medication for some time now and it has cleared my pimples and reduced my redness, but it also seems to have made me develop more spider veins. What's going on?

Q. I suffer from bumps or pimples that aggravate my lips. Is this caused by my rosacea?

Q. Will laser surgery get rid of telangiectasias (spider veins or tiny visible blood vessels)?

A. Laser surgery using a pulse dye or other laser can be an effective way to treat telangiectasias on the legs. For many sufferers, laser treatment can provide long-term relief from these unwanted spider veins.