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Talking to Your Doctor About Rosacea

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Talking to Your Doctor About Rosacea

You have a unique medical history. It is vital to talk with the doctor about personal risk factors and/or experience with rosacea. Take an active role in your care by talking openly with the doctor.

General Tips for Gathering Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier to talk to the 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 do not forget them.
  • Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if needed.
  • Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know about your health.

Specific Questions to Ask

About Rosacea

  • How severe is my rosacea?
  • Do I need to see a dermatologist?
  • Where can I get more information about rosacea?
  • How can I prevent other issues rosacea can cause such as:
    • Eye problems
    • Red lines
    • Nose bumps, or rhinophyma

About Treatment Options

  • What treatments are available for:
    • Rosacea
    • Eye problems caused by rosacea
    • Red lines on my face
    • Nose bumps
  • Have you treated other people with rosacea?
  • What can happen without treatment?
  • What medicines can be taken for it?
    • What are their benefits and side effects?
    • Will it be okay to take these medicines with other medicines, over the counter products, or dietary or herbal supplements that I already take?
  • Are there any alternative or complementary therapies that could help me?

About Lifestyle Changes

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

About Outlook

  • Can I expect my skin to look like it did before I had rosacea?
  • How can I keep symptoms of rosacea from coming back?

References

  • All about rosacea. National Rosacea Society website. Available at: https://www.rosacea.org/patients/all-about-rosacea.
  • Rosacea. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/condition/rosacea.
  • 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.

Contributors

  • Nicole S. Meregian, PA
Last Updated:
2022-02-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.