Treating Acne Rosacea

The usual medical treatment is antibiotics, either taken orally or in the form of topical creams or gels, e.g. tetracycline and metronidazole. This does appear to help control blushing as well as to reduce the inflammation in veins. However, antibiotics can provide an immediate solution, but they may have to be used for a prolonged period. This disturbs the beneficial bacteria in the gut and, in any case, does not deal with the underlying situation.

From the inside

Many sufferers of rosacea manage to work out which foods and drinks trigger or worsen their symptoms. The main ones to avoid are: alcohol, coffee, hot drinks, spicy foods and anything else which obviously causes the flushing. It is also important to look into gut function - secretion of HCI by the stomach and lipase by the pancreas. Both of these are essential for good digestion. While low HCI is not a direct cause, it is often linked to rosacea. If you suffer from any of the symptoms shown below, you are likely to be low in HCI and should consider supplementing it. HCI supplements should be taken with main meals. Because of the link between stress and reduced HCI secretion, it is important to relax when you have your meals. And, if necessary, you should take other measures to minimize your stress level such as exercise or relaxation techniques. Symptoms of insufficient stomach acid include:

• Heartburn.
• Indigestion.
• Feeling of fullness in the stomach.
• Feeling hungrier after eating.
• Bloating.
• Excessive gas.
• Bad breath.

Symptoms of low lipase production are similar to those of low HCI but the most obvious way to check for low lipase secretion is how you feel after eating fatty foods. If you have trouble digesting them, then it is possible that you are not producing enough lipase. Again, supplements of lipase, or various digestive enzymes in the same capsule or tablet, can be taken with each meal. It may be necessary to experiment in order to find the best combination of supplements for you.

From the outside

Because of the suspected link with excess grease and the skin mite Demodex, it is important to have a good skincare routine which keeps your face clean and protected from sun, wind and cold. Harsh cleansers which contain alcohol, or any which increase the blood flow to the face, are not -recommended. Avoiding rapid temperature changes (where possible) also helps reduce the stress on the capillaries of dilating and constricting quickly. Pure aloe Vera, which is available in a gel, can ease the burning sensation. And if the redness is more or less permanent, a good make-up base can help camouflage it.