Rosacea is a skin disorder that involves inflammation of your cheeks, nose and other parts of your face. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that, if left unchecked, rosacea can get worse over time. Rosacea is often confused for other skin problems, including skin allergies, acne and eczema. Supplements are a commonly used treatment method for rosacea, but you should consult with your doctor to see if this treatment is right for you before attempting to treat rosacea on your own.
Rosacea
Rosacea involves a swelling of the blood vessels, or capillaries, located just under your skin, and it may be associated with certain skin conditions. The exact cause of rosacea is unclear, although certain factors may increase your chances of developing this condition including being fair-skinned, blushing easily, being female and being 30 to 50 years old. MayoClinic.com states that symptoms of rosacea include a red and bulbous nose, spider-like facial veins, bloodshot eyes and a burning sensation in your face.
List of Supplements
Rosacea may be treated with numerous herbal and non-herbal supplements. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," nutrition researcher and certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch states that borage seed, kelp, turmeric and nettle are commonly used herbal supplements for rosacea. Non-herbal rosacea supplements include primrose oil, pycnogenol, vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin E, zinc, chlorophyll, flaxseed oil, lecithin granules, proteolytic enzymes, selenium, superoxide dismutase and vitamin C with bioflavonoids.
A Favored Supplement
Primrose oil is one of the most commonly prescribed nutritional supplements for rosacea. Primrose oil, also called evening primrose oil, is an anti-inflammatory fatty acid that has been used to treat many conditions, including rosacea and menopausal symptoms. According to Balch, primrose oil may also help prevent cancer, diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, primrose oil may effectively treat elevated cholesterol levels and cirrhosis of the liver. Primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid.
Additional Information
Although there is no cure for rosacea, there are many beneficial treatments that may help reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Your physician may suggest various treatment strategies for your rosacea, but you should always understand the inherent risks and benefits associated with each treatment method before using it. This includes nutritional supplements, which may cause unexpected reactions in certain individuals. Discuss your condition with your doctor to determine what dietary supplements are right for you.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Rosacea
- MayoClinic.com: Rosacea
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
