The Holistic Approach

By Lindsey Nelson

If you have rosacea, there are alternative treatments that can work with, or in lieu of, standard medical treatments.

Clinical trials show how diet plays a role in managing the inflammatory process of rosacea.

Many people have food intolerances that cause inflammation in the body, and the foods themselves can release chemicals that dilate blood vessels, which in turn causes flushing and the red, sore-looking skin associated with the condition.

The National Rosacea Society recently polled more than 3,000 sufferers about which foods appeared to cause a flare-up of their condition. Among the top food triggers were alcohol (especially red wine), hot beverages, hot spices (primarily cayenne and red pepper), citrus fruit, and tomatoes. It is interesting to note these are also common food intolerances for many people who don’t have rosacea.

Discovering which foods trigger an attack is key to successfully managing the condition. This can be done through an elimination diet of common food allergens for two weeks, followed by a slow re-introduction of these same foods. A flare-up indicates a food sensitivity, and the patient is encouraged to avoid this food. There are also blood tests for detecting hypersensitive reactions to various food antigens.

The next course of treatment is to make sure the gastrointestinal system is working optimally. This can be accomplished by taking digestive enzymes, drinking apple cider vinegar, and taking betain hydrochloride pills. The digestive enzymes help digest food, while the betain hydrochloride and apple cider vinegar stimulate the release of the body’s natural digestive enzymes. This is a daily, short-term therapy, but it should be done under a naturopath’s supervision.

Topical treatments can help, too. Natural creams, such as Chrysanthellum Indicum, strengthen the capillaries. Niacinamide helps to improve the skin barrier as well as to moisturize and reduce inflammation. Licorice can act as an anti-inflammatory, thus reducing redness.

One of the most intriguing treatments available today is the use of Azelaic acid cream 20%. A study comparing Azelaic acid to a standard treatment with metronidazole showed it was as effective in reducing papules and pustules, equal in treating the dryness, burning, telangiectasia (the dilation of superficial blood vessels on the face), and itching commonly seen in rosacea. It was also more effective in reducing the redness.

An important naturopathic principle is to treat the person, and not the disease; this is important in curing rosacea, because the focus is not just on using topical treatments to relieve symptoms temporarily, but also treating the underlying cause of the condition, thus detoxifying and rebuilding the body.

Natural treatments such as burdock, licorice, red clover, rose hips, and chamomile, combined with supplements containing vitamins C and B, as well as zinc and selenium, help detoxify and stimulate the body’s immune system.

Naturopathic treatment also involves prevention, avoiding triggers, and eating foods such as whole grains, seeds, nuts, and plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. Cherries, blackberries, and blueberries are vascular constrictors, which actually assist in reducing redness. Chicken and fish are preferable to red meats (especially deep sea fish for its omega-3 and omega-6 anti-inflammatory action). Avoidance of environmental triggers, such as extreme weather conditions, is also important.

Some of the above-mentioned treatments should be undertaken under the supervision of a naturopathic physician.

Lindsey Nelson, ND, is a naturopathic physician focused on women’s health issues and can be reached at lindsey@clearh2o.org.

Natural Skin Care

By Faith Jansen

There are many topical skin care products that can help minimize rosacea flare-ups. But it is important to know that many doctors also recommend “anti-inflammatory” diets to help combat rosacea, along with some of the following topical remedies.

Acne Rosacea, now more accurately known as rosacea, is a chronic skin condition that affects the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. With repeated flushing, the capillaries become swollen and inflamed. This web of veins is sometimes covered with a thin layer of oil from the dilation of the capillaries. This can lead to pustules that resemble acne.

Flare-ups may occur from sun exposure, emotional stress, hot weather, wind, strenuous exercise, hot water, coffee, and red wine.

The most important way to treat this condition is to keep the skin calm and cool. Avoid any products which contain alcohol, because this can irritate the face. Some sufferers respond well to products containing the essence of rose serums. Available in lotion form, this essence, when combined with the antioxidant properties of vitamins A, E, C, and K, is a good choice to wear under sunscreen. Sunscreen should be used daily, with a minimum SPF15.

The Dr. Hauschka Skin Care line has two wonderful rose creams that help soothe the skin, along with many others designed to treat this condition. Another skin care line, Thayers, makes an alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel toner that can be used after cleansing the face, or to spritz on during the day. The Zia “Brilliance” line is also good for people with rosacea. These products contain a rain forest botanical extract called Cat’s Claw, which is clinically proven to repair DNA damage and promote cellular renewal. Finally, Better Botanical also has a skin care line that helps ease the symptoms of rosacea, too.

Gentle cleansing is important; use a cleansing milk, mild exfoliating cleansers, or Cetaphil. Follow up with a toner containing daisy, lavender, or spruce: These all contain anti-inflammatory properties and can help tone down the skin’s redness.

Also, never use hot or cold water or coarse cleansing pads, and don’t scrub your face hard. Avoid products containing alpha hydroxyl acids, as these can irritate the skin.

Healing extracts to look for in your products include borage, English oak, pearl powder, veronica, chamomile, rose hip, St. John’s wort, and avocado oil. All of these help with circulation, calming, balancing, and strengthening the connective tissue, which heals the skin.

Faith Jansen, DT, is a licensed esthetician. She is a body care specialist at New Seasons Market, located in Lake Oswego, OR.