Natural treatments for rosacea

What is Rosacea?

More than 14 million people in North America have rosacea, a chronic skin condition. Women, fair-skinned people between the ages of 30 and 60 are more likely to be affected.

Symptoms and signs of rosacea include:

Areas of redness on your face
Small red bumps or pustules on your nose, cheeks, forehead, and/or chin
Small blood vessels on your nose and/or cheeks (called telangiectasia)
Tendency to flush or blush
Rosacea may also result in a red, bulbous nose, called rhinophyma, or a burning or gritty sensation in your eyes, called ocular rosacea.

Rosacea sufferers should avoid foods that may trigger the condition such as spicy foods, coffee and alcohol. A diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and a lot of water is recommended.

Antibiotics have anti-inflammatory effects that seem to suppress the inflammation associated with rosacea. The most common oral antibiotics prescribed for rosacea include tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline.
Because oral antibiotics can produce unwanted side effects, their long-term use is not recommended. You'll most likely be prescribed these drugs until your symptoms have been brought under control, at which point topical medications, lifestyle changes, and laser and/or light treatments will be used to keep further flare-ups at bay.

Oatmeal

First, oatmeal is a potent antipruritic. The moisturizing properties of colloidal oatmeal alleviate itch due to dry skin. These properties, in turn, promote protection of barrier function, which is often impaired in rosacea patients. Oatmeal also works as a skin protectant and enhancer of barrier function as the proteins and polysaccharides bind to skin to provide a protective barrier, while proteins buffer both acids and bases.

















Digestive Enzymes

Some people with rosacea have indigestion, especially after eating fatty foods. One study found a deficiency of the pancreatic enzyme lipase, an enzyme that helps to digest fat.

When the rosacea patients in the study were given pancreatic enzyme supplements with meals, their symptoms of indigestion and rosacea both improved.

Milk Thistle can help with Rosacea because it improves overall liver function and helps detoxify the skin. Chlorella, alfalfa and other "green" foods are good for rosacea because they supply phytonutrients that help to improve skin health. (Digestive enzymes, milk thistle, chlorella, alfalfa, and other green foods are found in Green Cell Therapy below)




















B Vitamins

Inadequate riboflavin, caused by insufficient dietary intake or poor absorption in the digestive tract, may be associated with rosacea.


Food Intolerances

Some alternative practitioners have found clinically that certain foods may be associated with rosacea symptoms. Foods may cause the release of chemicals that dilate blood vessels and cause flushing.

An inexpensive and effective way of identifying food intolerance is through an elimination and challenge diet, which involves removing allergenic foods from the diet for one to two weeks then systematically introducing them into the diet to isolate the foods that cause reactions. Supervision by a health practitioner is recommended.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar taken orally is used as a home remedy for rosacea. It is thought to stimulate the release of digestive enzymes and help normalize the bacterial balance in the intestines. Consult a health practitioner before trying apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is available in liquid and tablet form. There have been reports linking use of the tablets with esophageal injury.

Red Tea

It may sound ironic, but red tea, which comes from the leaves of a South African shrub, can actually alleviate the redness associated with rosacea. Rich in quercetin, an anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits flushing and irritation, natural red tea can be used as a facial wash, as reported in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Brew the tea, and let it steep for 30 minutes. Allow it to cool in the refrigerator, and then saturate a wash cloth in the liquid. Place the cool, saturated wash cloth on your face for 10 to 15 minutes.


Licorice

A recommended natural treatment for rosaecea. The topical application of this herb has shown improvement in people with mild and moderate symptoms. The anti-inflammatory properties of a chemical present in licorice called licochalcone help to reduce skin itchiness.

Niacinamide or vitamin B3 based moisturizer is considered an effective natural treatment for rosacea. The research conducted on niacinamide has shown its potency in improving the skin barrier and alleviating skin inflammation. These natural herbs and extracts are advised as add on treatments for rosacea with other oral and topical prescriptions.


Green Tea Cream

The use of green tea has long been studied for a variety of diseases. The results of a recent small study found that cream containing 2% polyphenone (green tea extract) improved the symptoms of rosacea as much as 70%. Green tea extract contains many anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-ageing properties which help to reduce skin redness, reduce papules and pustules as well as soothing the skin.

Lavender

Lavender is one of those herbs that has been used for hundreds of years to treat anything from insomnia and depression to muscular spasms and pain. Lavender has natural anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic and calming properties that make it a great choice for many problems. Even though there is no conclusive evidence regarding the use of lavender for skin problems, there does seem to be support for the use of lavender to help in healing the skin. Lavender should not be used directly on the skin as this can cause irritation. It should be mixed with a cream or carrier oil.


Tea Tree Oil

Again, like lavender and chamomile, tea tree oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is great for treating boils, spots and inflamed skin. However, tea tree oil should be used with caution because it has resulted in allergic contact eczema and dermatitis. Never take it internally and only use it mixed into a cream or carrier oil.

We have a coconut based balm in the office that contains green tea, lavender, and tea tree oil. Call 832-237-4200

The use of Omnilux™ light therapy in Rosacea (as light treatment alone or using the balm with essential oils) offers excellent efficacy in erythema reduction and overall facial cosmetic enhancement. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effects of the Omnilux revive™ treatments act to prolong remission of the condition. Treatments are twice weekly for 5 weeks.