Q. Is rosacea contagious?

A. No. Rosacea is not considered an infectious disease, and there is no evidence that it can be spread by contact with the skin or through inhaling airborne bacteria. The effectiveness of antibiotics against rosacea symptoms is believed to be due to their anti-inflammatory effect, rather than their ability to destroy bacteria.

Although the cause of rosacea is unknown, it tends to occur more often in people with fair skin who flush or blush easily. There is also evidence that rosacea can be inherited, and a National Rosacea Society survey found that 40 percent of rosacea sufferers could identify a relative with similar symptoms.

Q. Can the chlorine in swimming pools aggravate rosacea? My face seems to get very red after swimming.

A. It's quite possible that chlorine may be aggravating your rosacea, particularly if you notice a stinging or tingling sensation on your face after exposure. If you are also doing a considerable amount of swimming, don't forget sun and heavy exercise can sometimes cause flushing and redness. You can try a couple things to help reduce the redness. Keep a spray bottle of fresh, cool water on hand to rinse your face frequently. Also use a waterproof sunscreen and protect your face from the sun. And swim at a slower pace or take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion.

Q. As a rosacea sufferer, which region of the United States is best to live in to avoid tripwires related to weather and climate?

A. It's true that weather conditions can affect rosacea in some individuals. For instance, a National Rosacea Society survey showed sun exposure is a major rosacea tripwire for 61 percent of sufferers, hot weather for 53 percent, wind for 38 percent and cold weather for 36 percent. Another survey found most sufferers are affected by the change in seasons, with summer usually the hardest time of year to endure.

Yet despite these statistics, rosacea appears to be fairly evenly represented among the local populations throughout the United States. If you comply with prescribed medical therapy and take the necessary precautions to protect against climate-related tripwires, you should be able to live wherever you choose.

Q. Are rosacea sufferers more likely to get skin cancer later in life?

A. No medical evidence has linked rosacea with skin cancer or suggests that rosacea sufferers are more likely to develop skin cancer later in life. It is important that you consult your dermatologist if you have any signs of possible skin cancer, such as a mole that is enlarged or asymmetric, or has an irregular border or varying color. Although unrelated to rosacea, skin cancer is a potentially fatal disease whose incidence has been on the rise.

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?

A. Since surveys show rosacea tends to run in families, it's quite possible your cousin might be exhibiting the disease, especially if she has a similar skin type to yours. However, only a proper evaluation by a qualified physician can provide a reliable diagnosis. You may want to start a conversation with your cousin by simply talking about your own rosacea. Let her know what it is, how it begins as a simple redness, and that it can run in families. Encourage her to see a dermatologist for early detection to prevent more severe symptoms from developing. Refer her to the National Rosacea Society for information.

Q. I have a mild case of rosacea. As I get older will my rosacea get worse?

A. There's no way to predict for certain how an individual's rosacea will progress, although in a National Rosacea Society survey about half of rosacea sufferers said their condition advanced from early to middle stage within a year. Fortunately, compliance with medical therapy and lifestyle modifications to avoid rosacea triggers has been shown to effectively halt rosacea's progression and control its symptoms on a long-term basis. Your best defense is to follow your doctor's orders and be diligent in your efforts to reduce your personal tripwires.