Acne Rosacea
Acne rosacea affects about 10% of the population, and develops slowly. The condition may also be referred to simply as rosacea. It is difficult to treat and does not respond well to acne medications or to moisturizers. There is no known cure for this disease that strikes most frequently in fair-skinned people of northern and eastern European descent. It may run in families. While more women are affected than men, men seem to get more severe cases. People usually develop rosacea between the ages of 30 and 50.
Symptoms
A distinctive flushing or redness appears over the face, particularly the nose and cheeks in a butterfly pattern. At first it may appear that the person suffering from rosacea just blushes easily, or is sensitive to cosmetics or has a ruddy complexion. But upon closer examination, you'll see the red area contains pustules and papules that look like acne. There may also be flaky patches, dilated blood vessels, enlargement of the nose and a gritty feeling in the eyes.
Causes
While the original cause of acne rosacea is unknown, several things can make it worse. Spicy foods, hot liquids, alcohol consumption, temperature extremes, sunlight, stress, rubbing or massaging, smoking and cosmetics all aggravate the condition.
Cautions
Don't hesitate to see your doctor if you are concerned about your rosacea or if you see it getting worse. A common prescription for acne rosacea is the antibiotic tetracycline, which may cause photosensitivity.
Herbal Treatments
Herbs are often used in combinations when treating an illness. Some of the most frequently used herbal remedies for acne associated with Acne Rosacea are listed below. You should speak to your herbalist when considering the most effective combination or treatment. Studies have been conducted on the use of herbal remedies in treating Acne Rosacea – please refer to Treatment of rosacea with herbal ingredients. Wu J., Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2006 Jan;5(1):29-32 which details some of the herbs listed below.
Internal Applications for acne rosacea.
- Evening Primrose oil – has potential anti inflammatory effects.
- Licorice – Licorice reduces inflammation and irritation and in patients with Rosacea may reduce the itchiness of those red patches. Licorice can be taken internally to stimulate the adrenal gland to help remove the bacteria that makes rosacea worse and cause the pustules.
- Ginger – drinking ginger tea can help to reduce the inflammation and redness of rosacea.
- Feverfew - has anti inflammatory effects and may be a useful treatment for rosacea.
- Horsetail – put 20 drops into water and drink three times a day to help cleanse the blood.
- Calendula – have been used since ancient times to treat inflammatory skin conditions and promote wound healing. Take calendula in capsule or tincture.
- Fenugreek – make a tea of fenugreek and let it steep for at least ten minutes. Drink fenugreek tea to treat skin problems like acne and rosacea.
- Green tea – has what are termed "photoprotective properties" which have been attributed with reducing ultraviolet light sensitivity. It is thought that this may reduce the effects of the condition. Take green tea to promote healthy skin and relieve symptoms.
- Dandelion – make a tea of the dandelion root and take up to three times per day to cleanse the body of toxins and relieve rosacea.
- White mulberry leaves – make a tea from the leaves and let it steep for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink the tea three times a day when rosacea symptoms appear.
External Applications for acne rosacea.
- Licorice – prepare a wash of licorice root to soothe irritation and reduce inflammation, which will reduce the redness and itchiness of rosacea.
- Oats – an oatmeal wash will relieve itching that frequently accompanies rosacea.
- Calendula – use calendula cream or gel on the affected areas for relief.
- Aloe vera – gel or cream can be used in a similar fashion.
- Horsetail – use a compress of horsetail to relieve the affected area.
- Witch hazel – use as a compress to help disperse the blood.
- Tea tree oil – reported to have anti-microbial and anti inflammatory effects. Apply to the skin with a cotton swab as an antiseptic. Be sure to dilute the oil in water, using 3 to 4 drops in an ounce of water. Please note - The oil of Tea tree does need to be used cautiously as it has been known to have various side-effects.
- Chamomile – make a tea of chamomile and chill it. Whenever you need a cool compress, take out the chamomile tea and dip your cloth in to apply to the affected area.