ROSACEA

What is it?

Rosacea, also called acne rosacea, is a chronic skin condition affecting the face, consisting of redness often accompanied by red lumps, pustules and dilated capillaries. Either sex may be affected, but it occurs more commonly in fair-skinned women, and usually starts between the ages of 30 to 50 years. The usual distribution of the rash is over the cheeks, nose and chin.

What causes it?

The cause is unknown but factors which cause flushing of the skin, such as hot drinks, spicy food, alcohol, a warm environment and emotional upset, tend to aggravate rosacea and make it more apparent. The course of the condition is usually chronic and persistent, with some flare-ups and some periods of remission. Sometimes, however, it may be limited to a few recurrences followed by permanent remission. Rosacea is frequently complicated by conjunctivitis and blepharitis. Occasionally, the nose may become swollen with irregular knobbly thickening, enlarged follicles and appear bright or purplish red. This is known as a rhinophyma ('potato nose'!) and occurs predominantly in men.

Treatment and general recommendations

Factors which trigger facial flushing should be avoided; so spicy foods, alcohol, hot drinks, salty foods, fatty foods, coffee and excessive exposure to sunlight are better restricted. Avoid constipation.

Diet

Follow "The Liver Cleansing Diet", as poor liver function will exacerbate this condition. The principles of this diet should be followed as a way of life to ensure the blood is being cleaned efficiently of toxins. The liver is the major 'filter' of the body. If this vital organ becomes "clogged", other organs of waste elimination, such as the skin, must be more heavily relied upon.
Include often - plenty of raw foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds; and cold-water fish like herring, mackerel, salmon and tuna, which are rich in the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
Drink 1 to 2 litres of water daily.

Raw Juicing

Freshly made raw fruit and vegetable juices are vital. Recipes may be found in"Raw Juices Can Save Your Life Book"

Appropriate recipes for Rosacea are:
• "Acne" Juice on page 40
• "Immune Dysfunction" on page 103
• "Skin problems" on page 131

Carrot, ginger and apple, or celery, carrot, garlic and parsley make excellent combinations.

Recommended supplements:

Liver tonic powder or capsules

Take 1 teaspoon twice daily in water or juice, or take 2 capsules twice daily - a good liver tonic will assist in supporting liver function, which is vital for this condition.

Selenium tablets

Take 2 tablets twice daily - Several studies have shown that selenium plays a role in reducing viral replication and virulence. Selenium possesses anti-inflammatory effects.

Flaxseed capsules

Take 2 capsules daily - Flaxseed will exert an anti-inflammatory effect and is essential for skin conditions.

Digestive enzyme capsules

Take 1 capsule with each meal - In rosacea patients suffering digestive complaints, pancreatic enzymes (such as "Digestive Enzymes" capsules taken with each meal) have been shown to alleviate both indigestion and the skin lesions.

Orthodox Medical Treatment

Antibiotics such as tetracycline 250 mg two to three times daily for at least 12 weeks are frequently prescribed and will often settle the inflammation. Make sure you take acidophilus for three months after the antibiotic is finished. Metronidazole 200 mg three times daily for preferably no longer than two months may be used if tetracyclines are unhelpful. Alternatively, metronidazole gel applied topically twice daily is often effective. A mild hydrocortisone cream can reduce the redness but should not be used for prolonged periods. Benzoyl peroxide gel is helpful for papules and pustules. For resistant cases, isotretinoin tablets ("Roaccutane", a vitamin A derivative) may induce a prolonged remission. Because of its potential toxic side effects, isotretinoin can only be prescribed by a dermatologist.