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Acne rosacea is a relatively common skin disorder in which the nose and cheeks become abnormally red from enlarged blood vessels. Burning and stinging sensations are often associated with enlarged blood vessels of these types.
The areas affected by rosacea may be covered with pimples as seen in standard acne, although white heads and black heads are not common. The symptoms may appear and disappear several times before they settle into some permanence as the blood vessels remain enlarged.
Its highest prevalence is in adults with light skin between the ages of 30 and 50, affecting approximately 14 million people in the U. S. and 45 million world wide. W. C. Fields exhibited the signs of rosacea on his nose and in his cheeks.
Many factors have been suspected of causing acne rosacea: alcoholism, menopausal flushing, local infection, B vitamin deficiencies, overuse of steroid creams and gastrointestinal disorders.
A main focus in the treatment of rosacea revolves around the digestive system. A starting point for treatment is to enhance the secretions of the pancreas and the stomach. Gastric analysis of rosacea patients has led to the suggestion that rosacea may result from reduced hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
Stress is a key reason for lowered stomach acid. When a person goes into a stressed condition, the body shuts down many non-essential processes. This conserves the body’s resources and allows it to channel extra energy into areas that will help it survive a perceived crisis.
Digestion of food is not something that is critical during the typical 20 to 30 minute crisis that the body’s stress response is geared for, though many a crisis response can last for years. The body shuts off the digestive juices during this time, including the stomach acid. Supplementing each meal with digestive enzymes, including the addition of hydrochloric acid, can markedly improve rosacea.
Other research suggests the involvement of a skin mite named Demodex folliculorum. One of the B vitamins, riboflavin, may provide resistance to this mite. Therefore, it is recommended to supplement with a good B-complex vitamin.
Some foods are associated with flushing in the face. Among those to avoid are coffee, alcohol, hot beverages, spicy foods and any other food or drink that causes a flush. Refined or otherwise concentrated sugars can feed this condition. Foods that contain trans-fatty acids, such as milk, milk products, margarine, shortening or other synthetically hydrogenated vegetable oils, and fried foods contribute to an imbalance of facial oils that can lead to rosacea.
Basic facial hygiene can help calm some of the symptoms of rosacea. Washing gently with warm water and mild soap, followed by a cold rinse may keep inflamed pores clean and free of bacteria.
Protection from direct sun contact can help reduce flare-ups as well.
Rosacea sometimes resolves on its own after several years. However, years of enduring these symptoms can wear on a person. Incorporating the suggestions mentioned above may help resolve or ease the symptoms and make for a more comfortable life.
Dr. Michael Miles is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in psychology and pre-med, he completed his studies in medicine at the highly regarded Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Miles offers a holistic, integrative general practice, which focuses on treating chronic and degenerative diseases, digestive disorders and hormonal imbalances, as well as allergies and infections of all kinds. He holds a special interest in chelation therapy used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. He is also very active in cancer research. He prefers non-toxic treatment techniques that include botanical medicine, clinical nutrition and homeopathy, but will offer pharmaceutical remedies when appropriate. You will find Dr. Miles to be compassionate, sincere and a strong advocate for your health. He is opening a new office in Catalina in June of 2014 which will feature hyperbaric oxygen therapy in addition to his normal services. www.catalinaclinic.com
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