Rosacea is a genetically inherited condition which affects mostly women between the ages of 30 – 50, most of whom are of Northern European descent and are fair-skinned.
Symptoms of Rosacea
The disease starts with facial redness that makes it appear as though the face is sunburnt. Skin may be very dry and sensitive. Small, angry-looking pimples appear on the face that look like teenage acne, as the condition gets progressively worse. Usually the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin are affected.
Rosacea affects more women than men, however, in men the condition is more pronounced and often results in nasal bumps which make the nose appear swollen and disfigured. This is called rhinophyma.
Conventional Treatments for Rosacea
- Antibiotics are commonly prescribed by doctors for rosacea, most commonly tetracycline drugs, doxycycline, and minocycline – antibiotics with an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Laser treatment for rosacea is used to diffuse the spider veins and redness on the face.
- Antibiotic creams and gels are often recommended by doctors to treat rosacea.
- In severe cases, surgery is used to correct rhimophyma.
Rosacea Natural Treatment
Green Tea Cream: Dr. Tanweer Syed, a dermatologist at the University of California in San Francisco, reports that a cream containing a green tea extract called polyphenone produces a 70 per cent improvement in rosacea compared with an inactive cream.
Chrysanthellum Indicum Cream: A cream made with an extract of the herb Chysanthellum Indicum has been explored and studied for safety and effectiveness as a rosacea natural treatment.
B Vitamins: Inadequate riboflavin, caused by insufficient dietary intake or poor absorption in the digestive tract, may be associated with rosacea. Natural food sources of vitamin B2 includes nuts, cheese, eggs, milk, lean meat, green leafy vegetables, fish, legumes, whole grains, and yogurt.
Niacinamide Cream: Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, has been used topically for rosacea. It is thought to improve the skin barrier, improve the skin’s moisture level and reduce inflammation.
Rosehip Seed Oil: This oil is said to strengthen broken and damaged capillaries and acts as an astringent to heal and reduce redness.
Licorice: Glycyrrhizin, one of the main ingredients in licorice, is believed to contribute to the herb's many healing properties. Laboratory studies have shown that glycyrrhizin reduces inflammation and soothes skin irritation.
Azelaic Acid Cream: Azelaic acid cream is derived from wheat, rye and barley. It appears to have antimicrobial action that slows the growth of skin bacteria and appears to be effective in reducing skin redness and papules and pustules associated with rosacea.
In using either a conventional or a natural rosacea treatment, it is generally agreed that patients should stay out of the sun and avoid foods that may trigger the condition such as spicy food, coffee and alcohol. A diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and a lot of water is recommended. Sufferers should avoid products that are harsh and irritating to sensitive skin and look for rosacea skin care products instead.
Disclaimer: This article is intended as a source of information only. Before administering any product, rosacea patients should seek the advice of a skin care specialist who will be able to inform them of the best treatment for their individual condition.
Source:
- About.com, Article Natural Treatment for Rosacea, Cathy Wong, information retrieved 21 September, 2009
- Gehring W. Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 3.2 (2004): 88-93.
- Rosaceasupport.org, information retrieved 21 September, 2009
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