Rosacea

Question 1

Rosacea

Answer 1

A chronic inflammatory skin condition associated with capillary hyper-reactivity presenting as an erythematous (red) rash or flush across the cheeks and nose.

• Predominantly manifests in women aged 30-50 years.
• More common in fair skinned people, less incidence in darker skins

Question 2

Rosacea: Clinical presentation

Answer 2

Facial erythema, flushing, papules, pustules, spider veins

Question 3

Rosacea: Causes and risk factors

Answer 3

• Gastric H. pylori infection can stimulate the immune system to produce a large number of inflammatory mediators and increase NO levels -> vasodilation and inflammation.
• SIBO associated with increased intestinal permeability and systemic inflammation.
• Vascular hyperactivity prolonged flushing may be triggered by exercise, hot weather, alcohol, spicy food, hot drinks, caffeine and stress.
• Consider excess heat (energetic)
• Food allergy / intolerances; e.g., excess histamine

Question 4

Rosacea: Natural Approach

Answer 4

Avoid triggers (pepper and tomatoes) /elimination diet.
Focus on cooling , anti-inflammatory foods.
Reduce histamine foods
Support gut health (e.g., H pylori, HCl)
Omega 3 fatty acids
Vitamin C and proanthocyanidins (purple)
Aloe vera gel (topically)
Zinc
Reduce stress
Reduce sun