Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder in which the skin of the nose, cheeks and forehead is abnormally red and may be covered with bumps and pimples similar to those seen in acne. In addition, the small blood vessels beneath the skin may dilate, resulting in facial flushing and reddish blotches known as “telangiectasia”. Other symptoms that can be associated with Rosacea include conjunctivitis, dryness and burning of the eyes, blepharitis and digestive symptoms.
Although rosacea may occur in children as young as 10, it typically appears in adults between the ages of 30 and 50. Rosacea is more common in women, who are affected three times as often as men, although rosacea is more severe in men, when it does occur.
The main causes of Rosacea include:
- Food Allergies
- Insufficient pancreatic enzymes, particularly lipase which helps to digest fat
- Low hydrochloric acid production which is secreted by the stomach to digest food and destroy pathogenic organisms
- Yeast overgrowth (Candida)
- B-Vitamin deficiencies, specifically B12 and B6
- Excessive alcohol, caffeine and chocolate consumption
- Hormone Imbalances
- Birth Control Pills as well as other medications such as Vasodilators
- Emotional stress
- Exposure to extreme temperatures such as wind and prolonged sun
How to Treat
There are many very effective treatments for Rosacea depending on the individual cause. Treatments would include dietary changes, food allergy detection, digestive balancing, hormone balancing and nutrient replacement. Results are often seen very quickly in many patients.
Recommended Testing
- Food Allergy Testing– IgG blood testing for food sensitivities can help to determine if there are any underlying foods or overgrowth of Candida that are causing the Rosacea.
- Hormone Testing– a simple saliva test will uncover any hormonal imbalances that can affect the skin negatively and cause Rosacea.
Recommended Supplements
- Zinc Citrate is extremely effective in all skin conditions. Take 50mg two times per day with food for 3 months then reduce to once daily. Long term zinc supplementation should be accompanied by copper supplement (1g per day).
- Vitamin A is the ultimate skin healer. 20 000 IU per day is the recommended dosage for non-child bearing women. This dosage should not be higher than 5000 IU in child bearing women.
- Digestzymes contain both hydrochloric acid and pancreatic enzymes to correct deficiencies linked to Rosacea. The recommended dosage is 1-2 capsules with each main meal per day.
- P5P is a specialized form of Vitamin B6 that corrects imbalances that cause Rosacea. 1 capsule twice daily with food is recommended.
- Ultra-Flora Balance is a dairy free probiotic that heals the digestive tract, rebalances the beneficial bacteria and calms the skin. 1 capsule daily on an empty stomach is recommended.
Nutritional Recommendations
- The liver is very important in helping to rid the body of toxins and clearing skin. Certain foods can be used as detoxifying agents when eaten on a regular basis. The top 10 liver detoxifiers include garlic, grapefruit, beets and carrots, green tea, dark leafy greens, apples, lemons and limes, cruciferous vegetables, cabbage, turmeric. Including these foods in your diet will not only help the liver to do a more efficient job of detoxification but will also result in clearer skin
- Drink ½ your body weight in ounces of filtered water (i.e. 150 lb person would drink 75 ounces water daily)
- Increase dietary essential fatty acids such as cold water fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp hearts and raw nuts
- Avoid hot and spicy foods as well as beverages
- Reduce salt intake
- Reduce alcohol intake as it can dilate blood vessels
- Eliminate caffeine and chocolate
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Use a safe and carcinogenic free sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30
- Reduce and manage stress as much as possible