Rosacea - Leaving you red-faced...

The ruddy complexion of many fair-skinned people may not always be a healthy glow, but a sign of rosacea, a common skin problem. Even though there is no cure, symptoms of this chronic condition can often be controlled and skin damage prevented.

What It Is
The first signs of rosacea (pronounced rose-AY-shah) are recurrent patches of redness on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin, and the appearance of tiny blood vessels just under the skin. As the disorder progresses, the skin on the face becomes ruddier and then permanently inflamed; bumps may also form. The eyes may be affected, too, resulting in burning or itching. In severe rosacea, the nose may develop excess tissue.

About one in 20 adults has rosacea, with fair-skinned people at the highest risk. Although women develop the condition three times more often than men, the latter have more severe symptoms. Smokers are vulnerable to the condition because nicotine impairs circulation. Without treatment, rosacea may get worse. Conventional therapy often includes long-term use of antibiotics.

Symptoms

• Frequent, prolonged redness and flushing of the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin.
• A feeling that skin is being pulled tight across the face.
• The appearance of tiny red spots and bumps in the affected area.
• Bumpiness, redness and swelling on the nose.
• Bloodshot, burning or itchy eyes.

When to Call a Doctor

• If you develop any of the symptoms listed above.
• If your skin does not promptly return to its normal complexion color after blushing.
• Reminder: If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.

What Causes It
Rosacea occurs when unknown genetic and/or environmental factors cause blood vessels in the skin to lose elasticity and dilate easily sometimes permanently. Blood vessel abnormalities are one possible cause. Episodes can be triggered by any stimulus that leads to flushing, including hot or spicy foods or beverages; alcohol or caffeine; stress; weather; vigorous exercise; hormonal changes (especially at menopause); and certain medications (especially niacin and some blood pressure drugs).

How Supplements Can Help
Because rosacea is a chronic condition, supplements should be continued indefinitely. It may take about a month before initial improvements are obvious. Begin with vitamin A and the B vitamins. Then add vitamin C. the minerals, and the essential fatty acids, if necessary. All can be used with the conventional antibiotics that are often prescribed for rosacea.

Without enough vitamin A, skin cells can harden, and the protective effect of mucus (which some skin cells produce) declines. A deficiency of B vitamins is common in people with rosacea, so vitamin B complex is beneficial. It's important to take extra riboflavin and vitamin B12 in addition to the amounts found in a B-complex supplement. Riboflavin improves mucus secretion and promotes elimination of cellular waste; vitamin Bu plays a central role in cell growth, reproduction and repair. Vitamin C strengthens the membranes that line the blood vessels and the connective tissue between skin cells. It also minimizes the release of histamine, a chemical that widens blood vessels in response to an allergic substance. Zinc helps heal the top layer of the skin (epidermis) and regulates blood levels of vitamin A. (Add copper for long-term use.) And the essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil and evening primrose oil reduce inflammation, control the cells' use of nutrients and regulate hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which stimulate the contraction of blood vessels.

What Else You Can Do

• Use fragrance-free, greaseless make-up and facial cleansers. Never use astringents on your skin.
• Gently blot - never rub - your face dry after washing.
• Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 when you are outdoors.

Facts and Tips

• To soothe inflamed skin, splash your face with a strong chamomile and calendula tea. To prepare it, pour 2 cups of very hot water over 1 tablespoon of each herb. Let sit, covered, for 20 minutes; then strain, cool, and use it to wash your face.
• Women who wear make-up may be able to hide persistent redness with a sheer green base applied under a foundation that matches their normal skin tone.
• Men with rosacea may be able to minimize flare-ups by using an electric razor instead of a blade.

Did You Know?
Tiny skin mites live in everyone's hair follicles, but some rosacea sufferers have exceptionally high numbers of them. A breakdown of the immune system is the probable cause. The B vitamins, especially riboflavin, may help to control mite growth.