Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Natural Remedies for Reducing Redness Caused by Rosacea

Rosacea is a condition of facial redness and sensitivity that affects about 10 percent of the population. The problem usually starts in middle age, and both men and women can be affected. Rosacea affected an estimated 14 million Americans. The National Rosacea Society suggests the most common triggers of rosacea are sun exposure, emotional stress, hot or cold weather, wind, alcohol, spicy foods, heavy exercise, hot baths, heated beverages and certain skin-care products. Symptoms and signs of rosacea include areas of redness on your face, small red bumps or pustules on your nose, cheeks, forehead, and/or chin, small blood vessels on your nose and/or cheeks (called telangiectasia) & tendency to flush or blush.

According to recent surveys by the National Rosacea Society, nearly 70 percent of rosacea patients said this condition had lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem, and 41 percent reported it had caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements. Self-care and dietary measures may also aid in the management of roscacea, but there are different forms of the disease, and each may require different treatments.

The roles of complementary and alternative medications in the management of rosacea have yet to be established, so it’s hard to offer any “natural” remedies for the condition. Some rosacea sufferers, especially those prone to frequent flushing, report benefit from relaxation and stress management techniques like meditation, yoga and various relaxation exercises and breathing exercises. The most common and frequently used herbal compounds include licorice, feverfew, green tea, oatmeal, chamomile, tea tree oils and camphor oil. All these herbal medicines are used because they are found to have antiflammatory properties. These herbs have proven effects; many of them have potential benefits.

The two main remedies include a green tea and golden chamomile (chrysanthellum indicum) cream. Green Tea could really reduce redness and all the other symptoms that come along with rosacea. Golden Chamomile, also known as chrysanthellum indicum is also very good. The green tea cream when applied twice a day over 12 weeks showed great results in treating rosacea symptoms. Licorice has shown to have fairly good success at reducing the redness in mild to moderate cases. Niacinamide Cream, a form of B3 vitamin can be used to improve the moisture level. It also reduces the inflammation.

Those struggling with rosacea symptoms can also experience relief with the help of Seabuckthorn Oil. It functions as a mild analgesic and anti-microbial and improves the strength of blood vessel and cell walls. It also gives transdermal nourishment to the body. By taking Seabuckthorn Oil internally, moderation and regulation of the immune, inflammatory, and hormonal systems can be achieved. Taken in this way, it imparts strength to the cardiovascular system and the gastrointestinal system (that is involved in rosacea). It also retards the death rate of cells and enhances overall health.

More researches have been going on for reducing the redness and other symptoms of rosacea and the results these researches are eagerly awaited.