An A to Z of Rosacea information.

New entries are added each week

Introduction:

If you have Rosacea, an awareness and understanding of the condition can be helpful.
It is very important to realise that ‘things’ that work for one person do not necessarily work for someone else, so do not rely too much on a person saying ‘This worked for me’. The internet is quite complex, and something that generates easy money for some people who may be unscrupulous, so think carefully before paying for information that may be freely available from a Specialists Clinic.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar taken orally is used as a home remedy for rosacea and is thought to stimulate the release of digestive enzymes and help correct the bacterial balance in the intestines. Consult a doctor before trying apple cider vinegar or similar 'home remedies, it is available in liquid and tablet form. It is suggested that apple cider vinegar can be taken in the form of capsules if the sufferer has a stomach imbalance and low production of acids. The capsule should be washed down with a glass of water, as there have been reports linking use of the tablets with permanent esophageal injury, typically when they have become stuck in the throat, causing a burning sensation.

Antiobiotics

There are various forms of rosacea and some people find conventional antibiotics and medicines unsatisfactory. If trying herbal remedies that have been found on the internet, sufferers are advised to exercise caution, be aware of possible side effects and know how to minimise any risk. Some herbal remedies work well for some rosacea sufferers but can cause flare-ups in others. Garlic may be one of these and is a trigger for some people; later on in this A to Z, a case where Garlic was successful used is analysed and the possible reasons for this success are identified.
People suffering from rosacea and who are treated with antibiotics over a prolonged period are more prone to yeast infections. The use of antibiotics over a long period can decrease normal bacteria populations and increase the number of yeast.
Most treatments have side effects, these vary from person to person and depend on a number of factors including diet. A treatment that works for one person with minimal or no side effects will not work for another person. Dosages also vary from person to person and are also affected by a number of factors.

Vitamin A

It is found in foods such as carrots, eggs and fish etc. Taking supplements with beta-carotene may help reduce the number of flare-ups and make rosacea symptoms 'milder'.

Vitamin A (Retinol)
This vitamin is said to help maintain the immune system, iron metabolism, normal vision and the health of the skin and mucus membranes. It can be taken by mouth or it can be 'topical' (applied externally to the skin).
Retinol (the naturally occurring form of vitamin A) can easily be absorbed into the skin and is an ingredient of skin creams that help reduce facial wrinkles and fine lines.
Rosacea sufferers often have sensitive skins and have found it to be too harsh for their skin, however vitamin A has many forms and one of them is retinaldehyde which has fewer side effects for rosacea patients.
A 1999 study found that that "retinaldehyde has beneficial effects on the vascular component of rosacea. A preliminary trial using women with rosacea and (0.05%) retinaldehyde cream once a day for six months showed some positive results. Blood vessel abnormalities showed a good response and improved appreciably in about half the patients; inflammation subsided in many patients. This cream is normally available on prescription and a doctor should be consulted before use, consider requesting a free consultation at our Clinic, using our contact form.
 

B Vitamins

A person suffering from rosacea may have low absorption of riboflavin (B2) in their liver; if this is applicable, then supplementing this vitamin will be helpful. It has also been identified that skin mites were unable to live on a person who had a high riboflavin intake, however this was under medical supervision. High doses of vitamins must not be taken unless prescribed by your doctor. Taking standard vitamin supplements (available from a chemist or health food shop) is recommended.

Beautiful Skin

How To Have Beautiful Skin with Rosacea

A number of celebrities have rosacea, some are very beautiful and examples are Cameron Diaz, Mariah Carey  and Sarah Michelle Gellar – (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer).

The fair (peaches and cream) complexion that is more likely to develop signs of Rosacea is often judged as one of the most beautiful complexions.

To keep such a complexion beautiful requires care; fair skin should be protected from the harsher elements of cold, wind and (more especially), the sun.

Bosco Cheeks

Bosco was an Irish TV puppet with very red rosy cheeks. Women will typically be more concerned at a visible increase of tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin (e.g. the cheeks) causing 'those Irish Bosco Cheeks'. This type of rosacea is typically subtype 1 (erythematotelangiectatic rosacea).