You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors and/or experience with rosacea. By talking openly and regularly with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.

General Tips for Gathering Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:

  • Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
  • Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.
  • Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
  • Don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know about your health.

Specific Questions to Ask Your Doctor

About Rosacea

  • How severe is my rosacea?
  • Do I need to be evaluated by a dermatologist?
  • Where can I get more information about rosacea?
  • How can I prevent complications of rosacea such as:
    • Eye problems
    • Red lines or telangiectasia
    • Nasal bumps, or rhinophyma

About Treatment Options

  • What treatment options are available for:
    • Rosacea
    • Eye problems that result from rosacea
    • Red lines or telangiectasia on my face
    • Nasal bumps, or rhinophyma
  • Do you have experience treating people with rosacea?
  • What is likely to happen without treatment?
  • What medications are available to me?
    • What are the benefits/side effects of these medications?
    • Will these medications interact with other medications, over the counter products, or dietary or herbal supplements that I am already taking?
  • Are there any alternative or complementary therapies that will help me?

About Lifestyle Changes

  • What lifestyle changes can help me to manage rosacea? Do I need to make changes in my:
    • Diet
    • Skin care routine
    • Environment
  • How can I reduce my level of emotional stress?

About Outlook

  • Can I expect my skin to look normal again?
  • How can I keep the symptoms of rosacea from recurring?
REFERENCES:

All about rosacea. National Rosacea Society website. Available at: https://www.rosacea.org/patients/allaboutrosacea.php. Accessed December 27, 2017.

Rosacea. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116224/Rosacea. Updated June 8, 2017. Accessed December 27, 2017.

Tips for talking to your doctor. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor. Updated May 2014. Accessed December 27, 2017.

Last reviewed November 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP