What is Rosacea Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Rosacea, or acne rosacea, resembles mild adolescent acne in some respects, but its main feature is flushing of the skin. It is most common among middle-aged women. In serious cases in elderly men, it may lead to a bulbous swelling of the nose called rhinophyma. Rosacea tends to last for between five and ten years before disappearing.

Symptoms
• Flushed cheeks and nose, possibly induced by drinking hot drinks or alcohol, eating spicy foods, or entering a warm room.
• Possible permanent redness of the skin and small, pus-filled spots that are similar to mild acne.

Causes
The causes of rosacea are largely unknown, but oral contraceptive drugs and corticosteroid ointments prescribed for other skin conditions, such as eczema, may precipitate it. Stress may exacerbate the condition. In women rosacea often strikes during or after menopause, when the condition is most probably linked to hormonal changes affecting the sebaceous glands in the skin.

Conventional care
The usual treatment for rosacea is a long course of tetracyclines. These are very effective in suppressing the small, pus-filled spots, but they do not tend to make much difference to the underlying red discoloration. Being antibiotics, they may harm the bacterial flora of the intestine, necessitating the subsequent use of acidophilic supplements.

Homeopathic medicine
A homeopathic practitioner will take a full medical history, paying particular attention to the onset and progression of rosacea and its possible triggers, followed by an examination of affected areas. Many remedies are suitable for the constitutional treatment of symptoms of rosacea, but prescription will depend upon the individual. Among the remedies often chosen are Carbo veg., for when blood stagnates in capillaries, resulting in poor oxygen supply to facial tissue; and Lachesis for hemorrhaging that allows infection to set in. Psorinum is prescribed for problems of the sebaceous glands; and Rhus tox. is given for infection such as that forming boils. Homeopathic remedies prescribed for acute symptoms include Belladonna, for the early stages of rosacea, when the face is red, dry, and burning hot; and Arsen. alb., when the skin is flaky and scaly, there is restlessness, and the condition is better for warmth generally as well as for warm compresses applied to the affected areas. Viola tri. may be prescribed if rosacea is mainly concentrated on the chin, and the urine smells like cat urine; while Silica is given if the main problem is pustules that remain for long periods of time. Calc. phos. is prescribed for rosacea that is found mainly on the nose, and is accompanied by many pimples; and Kali. brom. is given when the forehead and cheeks in particular are flushed, and there are itchy pustules.

Lifestyle 
Specifically, if rosacea is associated with vaginal discharge and general fatigue in women, a yeastand sugar-free diet accompanied by acidophilic supplements is advisable. Naturopaths—those who promote health and natural healing by means of diet, exercise, and complementary care—believe that rosacea develops as a result of both stress and an inappropriate diet, especially one that is high in animal protein and fat, refined carbohydrates, and dairy products. Following a mainly fish and vegetarian diet for one month may be beneficial. Alcohol and coffee are best avoided. If stress is an aggravating factor, relaxation techniques, yoga, meditation, or tai chi may help on a daily basis. Any emotional problems should be solved, with the help of a counselor if necessary. Local applications of calendula solution or tea-tree oil may alleviate the condition (10 drops calendula mother tincture to 1.25 quarts [liters] cooled, boiled water, or 2 drops tea-tree oil).

C A U T I O N
• If the nose is swelling, consult a doctor.
• If an acnelike rash develops while taking steroids, either orally or in an ointment, consult a doctor to discuss discontinuation.