Rosacea is a skin condition that usually manifests in fair-skinned people, but women of all skin types are commonly affected. Rosacea may cause acne and skin redness, itchy eyes, swollen nose and thick skin on various parts of the face. If you suffer from this condition and are considering using nutritional therapies to help reduce your symptoms, first meet with your family doctor to review the risks and limitations of these natural treatment approaches.
Rosacea Information
Rosacea affects about 14 million Americans, reports the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, and this condition usually appears in people between the ages of 30 and 60. Certain risk factors may exacerbate or worsen rosacea, including vigorous exercise, wind, sunlight, low temperatures, alcohol use, emotional stress and spicy foods. Though there is no known cure for this condition, numerous treatment methods may be used to manage your symptoms and improve your skin's appearance.
Dietary Recommendations
Certain dietary changes may be helpful in controlling rosacea-related symptoms. Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," recommends avoiding certain foods and beverages, including coffee, alcohol, hot drinks, spicy foods and any other food or drink that causes skin flushing. Pizzorno also recommends eliminating from your diet refined sugar, trans fatty acids and foods high in iodized sodium.
Appropriate Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements are a time-honored approach in the treatment of rosacea, though not all supplements historically used as treatment may be backed by rigorous clinical research trials. Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that borage seed, bromelain, turmeric, nettle, rosemary, primrose oil, vitamin B complex, pycnogenol, L-cysteine, vitamin C with bioflavonoids and flaxseed oil may be among the most appropriate dietary supplements for treating rosacea.
Warning
Instead of self-treating rosacea using dietary changes and nutritional supplements, visit your primary care provider to learn about proper nutritional therapy, supplement dosage and treatment duration, potential side effects and possible supplement-related drug interactions. Your doctor can counsel you on the most effective dietary strategies and supplements to help you reduce rosacea symptoms. Not all supplements may be right for you.
References
- MedlinePlus: Rosacea
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Rosacea
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph Pizzorno; 2002
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
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