Rosacea is characterized as an inflammatory skin condition. At its onset, you often develop small patches of redness on the nose, cheeks, forehead or chin. As the condition progresses, however, symptoms tend to worsen. Some people notice small blood vessels becoming visible near the surface of the skin, while others develop bumps or pustules along the affected areas of the face. Treatment primarily revolves around a combination of prescription medications, but alternative therapies can sometimes be of benefit. Ginger isn't usually one of them. Always consult a doctor before using ginger to treat this or any other medical condition.
Inflammation
While studies suggest that ginger possess some anti-inflammatory properties, it doesn't appear to help treat rosacea. Leaders in the field of complementary and alternative medicine, such as the University of Maryland Medical Center or the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, do not list ginger as a purported use for treating this skin condition. Any benefit is anecdotal at best.
Dosage
For inflammatory conditions, dosages are set at anywhere form 2 to 4 g per day. But this amount of ginger is only associated with improving arthritis pain. It isn't likely to minimize the redness, pustule or other symptoms caused by rosacea. Even the topical oil of ginger isn't known to improve the inflammation from this skin condition.
Side Effects
Although ginger is considered safe, the use of this herb can lead to some side effects, especially when taken in excess. High doses of ginger are known to cause heartburn, diarrhea and mouth irritation, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. It may also adversely interact with blood-thinning medications, so talk to your doctor before using this or any other dietary supplement to treat rosacea.
Recommendation
Instead of self-prescribing ginger to treat rosacea, consult a doctor or dermatologist to establish a treatment plan best suited to your needs. Medical professionals can prescribe medications to reduce the inflammation and subsequently improve symptoms of rosacea. Metronidazole and tretinoin are two of the most common, but you may also benefit from tetracycline, erythromycin, minocycline, doxycycline, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid or isotretinoin.
Beside medications, you may see an improvement in your skin with certain self-care measures. Sunscreens, moisturizers and gentle cleansers can sometimes reduce the occurrence of flareups, according to MayoClinic.com. However, avoid topical products that contain alcohol, fragrances and other skin irritants, as they can worsen the condition of your skin.
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