Rosacea is a fairly common skin condition. It affects the center part of the face and can extend onto the neck. It can include red bumps that are much like the pimples of acne. If you have rosacea, you may flush easily or have some redness all the time. Rosacea is more common in people of Northern European lineage, light-skinned people and adult females. However, it is not limited to these groups and can even occur in children. One possible treatment for rosacea is an herbal mixture called Flor Essence.
Possible Causes
The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but it has been demonstrated that the Demodex folliculorum mite may cause an allergic response in some people. As you get older, you have more of these otherwise harmless mites. The medical text "Clinical Dermatology" states that people with rosacea have more than most. Another and more current theory discussed in "Manual of Dermatological Therapeutics" is that there is a defect in the facial nerves that control flushing and that eventually the redness and other skin changes become permanent. Rosacea is considered an inflammatory condition.
Types
When it is confined to your facial skin, rosacea is mainly a cosmetic problem. In some cases, more often in men, there is a disfiguring change in the skin called rhinophyma. These changes make the nose larger and give it a lumpy appearance. Plastic surgery can help to restore a more normal appearance. Ocular rosacea affects the eyes and can threaten the eyesight. The eyelids and eyes are red and sore when this condition is active. The vision problems can be avoided with good medical care.
Flor Essence
Flor Essence is an herbal mixture of burdock root, Indian rhubarb root, sheep sorrel, the inner bark of slippery elm, watercress, blessed thistle, red clover and kelp according to the National Cancer Institute. The first four ingredients were used in an anti-cancer medication developed by a Canadian nurse in the 1920s. In the late 1970s, the other ingredients were added and it was given the name Flor Essence. It has been used as a cancer treatment, but there have been no truly scientific human studies reported. There is no evidence that it treats or cures any disease.
Considerations
Animal and laboratory studies conclude that some of the chemicals in the herbs contained in Flor Essence may have some anti-inflammatory properties and thus reduce redness, swelling and pain. The National Cancer Institute states that the makers of Flor Essence approve of its use with other therapies. The makers report possible side effects to be "increased bowel movements, frequent urination, swollen glands, skin blemishes, flu-like symptoms, and slight headaches".
Treatments
Dermatologists and other physicians now have a wide range of treatments available for all forms of rosacea. It isn't curable, but the symptoms can almost always be kept under control and rhinophyma and vision problems prevented. The addition of Flor Essence is a personal choice. If you decide to try it, follow the directions and use it for the period of time suggested to see if it works for you. Of course, if the side effects are troublesome, you will probably choose to discontinue the product. Let your doctor know you are using Flor Essence, and continue to use the rosacea treatment that is prescribed.
References
- "Manual of Dermatologic Therapeutics;" Editors: Kenneth A. Arndt MD and Jeffrey T.S. Hsu MD; 2007
- "Clinical Dermatology" Third Edition; Thomas P. Habif, M.D.; 1996
- National Cancer Institute: Questions and Answers About Essiac and Flor Essence
