Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin disorder that generally occurs in middle-aged persons, predominantly in women aged between 30- 50 years.
Very little is known of its etiology although it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic disposition and environmental factors.

Symptoms include facial flushing, erythema and small inflammatory lesions on the skin. It tends to occur more frequently in people who have a tendency
to flush easily in response to emotional, environmental and physiological stimuli.

Gastric analysis of patients with rosacea has led to one theory that it can be the result of a reduced gastric and pancreatic outputs.

It has also been suggested that helicobacter pylori may be the link between rosacea and the skin as helicobacter pylori prevalence in one study was about 88% in rosacea patients compared to about 65% in the control patients. This makes sense as helicobacter is often present when stomach acids are insufficient.

I tend to agree with these theories as it is often older people who are affected or those with a digestive system that is not functioning effectively.

Orthodox treatment is usually with antibiotics which lead to a dramatic decrease in H. pylori and a corresponding improvement in the symptoms of rosacea.
However this does nothing to improve the condition of the stomach. And the symptoms will return once antibiotics are stopped.

So based on this it is suggested that people suffering the symptoms associated with Rosacea take 2-3 digestive enzyme capsules with each meal. This will ensure that the meal
is digested adequately and will slowly allow the stomach to repair itself.

The stomach lining will produce its own gastric acid if allowed to do so and not inhibited by anti-acid preparations. The level of H. pylori will decrease as stomach acids improve.
See page on ‘Enzymes – facts’.

As far as herbs go, any of the ‘bitters’ are appropriate as they stimulate the digestion. Gentian and Agrimony are good examples of these with the addition of Golden Seal if there is any sign of skin infection. Turmeric and Garlic are also very appropriate.

Large doses of B vitamins have also been known to be effective, with varying recommendations for extra B2, B6 and B12.

Good results can be obtained by using Evening Primrose oil at a rate of 3000mg 2-3 times daily, mainly in the reduction of the redness and flushing.
This needs to be used in conjunction with food enzymes.