The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases posits that approximately 14 million Americans are currently diagnosed with this disorder. It is most commonly seen in those aged 30 to 60 years and especially prevalent in menopausal women. Rosacea is a chronic illness that affects primarily the skin of the face and reflects general redness, acne, eye problems and skin thickening. Left untreated, this can lead to a multitude of more serious autoimmune diseases.
Food Nutrition
Gary Null, Ph.D., promotes a cleansing diet which consists of low fat and protein, high complex carbohydrates and high fiber. It is recommended that the individual change to a vegetarian diet that avoids fatty, fried, processed or sugary foods that contribute to toxin levels in the body. Visiting a naturopath or complementary medicine doctor may help to determine additional food allergies (e.g., gluten/wheat, casein/dairy, peanuts or corn) to eliminate these potential causes of autoimmune reactions of the skin.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can provide anti-inflammatory relief from skin disorders when a combination of lavender and chamomile are added to a base oil of borage or primrose oil. Barbara Close, an aromatherapist, herbalist and founder of the Naturopathica Holistic Health Spa in Easthampton, New York, suggests 3 to 4 drops of each oil essence with 1 ounce of the base oil. Apply as needed until the condition disappears. As always, if the condition worsens, seek immediate medical treatment.
Vitamin Therapy
James Balch, M.D., and Phyllis Balch, C.N.C., suggest the use of primrose oil (500 mg 3 times daily), vitamin A (25,000 IU daily for the first 3 months and tapered to 15,000 IU daily thereafter; not to exceed 10,000 IU for pregnant women), vitamin B complex (as directed) and the addition of vitamin B-12 (100 mcg 3 times daily). Additional nutrients which they deem helpful for rosacea include kelp (1,000 to 1,500 mg daily), a multivitamin/multimineral supplement (as directed), vitamin E (beginning with 400 IU daily and increased to 800 IU daily over time and zinc (50 mg daily, not to exceed 100 mg daily, as it is included in multivitamin supplements already).
Herbal Therapies
Jessica Wu, M.D., in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, recommends treatment modalities that incorporate the use of several herbs and botanicals for the treatment and relief of rosacea. Herbal suggestions include the use of licorice, feverfew, green tea and oatmeal. Botanical suggestions include the use of lavender, chamomile, tea tree and camphor oils, all of which have been empirically proven in clinical trials to reduce inflammation, redness, and provide relief of rosacea symptoms to sufferers.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing (2nd ed)"; Balch, J & Balch, P; 1997
- "The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing: A Comprehensive A-Z Listing of Common and Chronic Illnesses and Their Proven Natural Treatments"; Null, PhD, G; 2004
- "National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Rosacea, Questions and Answers"; Apr. 2009
- "Well-Being: Rejuvenating Recipes for the Body and Soul: To Decrease Skin Irritation"; Close, B; 2000
- "Journal of Drugs in Dermatology: Treatment of Rosacea with Herbal Ingredients"; Wu, J; Jan 2006
