Acne rosacea treatment: a medical mystery, with plenty of clues
Acne rosacea, better known as rosacea, is a chronic skin condition of the face which produces a redness of the skin, sometimes accompanied by acne-like breakouts. Untreated, acne rosacea can cause disfiguring effects. In severe cases, the notable redness may cause the nose to swell and even enlarge, over time. Eyes may also be affected with painful, inflamed areas.
While the cause remains a medical mystery, a large percentage of sufferers are fair skinned, middle aged people, suggesting a genetic connection. There are a variety of acne rosacea treatments available, but insufficient clinical evidence makes reliable treatment a hit-or-miss effort. Here’s what we do know about acne rosacea treatments. If you suffer from this condition, discuss all of these possible treatments and contributing factors with your dermatologist.
Antibiotics are sometimes helpful and are the first line of defense in acne rosacea treatment. Retin A(TM) and Metrogel(TM) are commonly prescribed topical antibiotics, with anti-inflammatory properties. Tetracycline is an oral antibiotic which may provide some relief.
Wheat, barley and rye are rich sources of azelaic acid, found to be an effective control in cases of acne rosacea, as well as simple acne. A prescription, topically applied cream, consisting of 20% azelaic acid, is another treatment, proven in controlled clinical studies.
Among the herbal treatments for acne rosacea, blood cleansers may prove valuable. While there is little scientific data to support the use of such herbs, anecdotal reports indicate that burdock root, red clover blossoms, cleavers and yellow dock have been used to good effect in acne rosacea treatment. Such blood cleansers are, however, proven to flush toxins from the body. You’re wise to discuss these herbal options with your dermatologist or a naturopathic physician.
The B vitamin complex seems to play a puzzling role in the management of acne rosacea treatment. When acne rosacea patients took supplements of vitamins B6 and B12, symptoms generally worsened. However, it’s been noted that significant numbers of acne rosacea patients are deficient in adequate amounts of stomach acid. These patients improved with a balanced B complex supplementation. More research and clinical studies are necessary to reach a definitive conclusion on the effects of vitamin B and acne rosacea treatment.
Another piece of this puzzle is evidenced in clinical studies, which find that acne rosacea patients statistically are deficient in production of pancreatic digestive enzymes. Oral supplementation, as an acne rosacea treatment, sometimes results in improvement. Again, further research is needed.
Dietary clues are few and inconclusive. While alcoholic beverages may contribute to increased reddening of the skin, it has been determined to not be causative. Spicy dishes and hot beverages seem to aggravate flare-ups. Your best bet is to avoid these in your diet. Hopefully, future research will uncover ways to effectively manage acne rosacea treatment with dietary changes.
Ambient temperature, including exposure to sun, extremes of temperature, both hot and cold, and even bath and shower water temperatures, can trigger adverse reactions. Although the clinical research is currently sparse, temperature seems to be implicated, both in food and the environment.
Effective acne rosacea treatment requires good communication between you and your physician. Don’t embark on any self-prescribed treatment. This medical mystery will, sooner or later, be solved.
Author: Caroline Bourke