Alternative Remedies For Rosacea

Rosacea, an inflammatory skin problem characterized by facial redness, pimples, visible blood vessels and watery eyes, affects 16 million Americans, according to the National Rosacea Society. Although causes and cures for rosacea are unknown, certain triggers, such as alcohol, caffeine, heat, hot drinks, spicy foods and sun exposure seem to exacerbate the condition. While individuals with severe cases of rosacea should consult with a dermatologist, alternative remedies can yield significant results.

Herbal Creams

For patients with mild or sporadic rosacea, simply avoiding triggers reduces 96 percent of flare-ups according to the National Rosacea Society, as reported in the book "Amazing Antidotes." However, when the condition does present itself, herbal creams offer relief.
Horse chestnut and rose wax creams help improve the strength of vein walls. Often used for shrinkage of varicose veins, both of these herbal treatments improve the appearance of noticeable blood vessels during a rosacea outbreak. Apply the creams, which are available at health food stores, twice daily to keep the condition under control.

Red Tea

Red tea also helps get the red out. Quercetin, an anti-inflammatory agent contained in red tea, helps "relieve facial flushing, irritation and itching associated with rosacea," as cited in the book "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies."
The tea, available at health food stores, yields beneficial results when brewed and steeped for 30 minutes. After allowing the tea to cool completely in the refrigerator, soak a wash cloth in the liquid and place it on your face for 10 minutes. Alternatively, look for commercial products that contain red tea in a facial masque form.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal not only absorbs oil and acts as an exfoliating agent, but it helps relieve the itching associated with rosacea. Additionally, its proteins and polysaccharides work to protect the skin against flare-ups, per the Rosacea Support Group.
Follow the manufacturer's cooking directions for one serving of plain oatmeal. Allow the oatmeal to cool and then apply it onto your face. Remove it with cool water after 10 to 15 minutes.

Relaxation Techniques

While not used often, hypnosis offers an additional alternative remedy for the treatment of rosacea, as cited in "Amazing Antidotes" and reported by Dr. Phillip Shenefelt, associate professor in the division of dermatology and cutaneous surgery at the University of South Florida in Tampa. He states that hypnosis provides "guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation techniques to help you actually prevent your blood vessels from dilating."
Additionally, eliminate stress as a trigger factor of rosacea with simple relaxation exercises. A survey by the National Rosacea Society, as noted in "Amazing Antidotes," indicates that an easy breathing exercise can halt flushing flare-ups. Inhale to a count of 10 and then exhale for 10 more counts. Repeat the exercise six to eight times for best results.