Acne Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition affects the central face and consists of flushing, erythema, papules, pustules and telangiectasiae.1It is a chronic disorder of the face in middle-aged and older persons, characterised by a vascular component with or without an acne form component.2Rosacea is distinct from acne vulgaris; sebum excretion is normal and comedones are absent.1
The disease is more common in women, but men have more severe disease.2
Clinical features
- Rosacea most commonly affects fair-skinned, middle-aged females and can be exacerbated by heat, sunlight and alcohol.
- The convexities of nose, forehead, cheeks and chin are typically involved.
- The condition is heterogeneous and intermittent flushing, followed by fixed erythema and telangiectasiae, predominates in some; in others, papules and pustules are prominent.
- Sebaceous gland hyperplasia and soft tissue overgrowth of the nose (rhinophyma) can occur, particularly in males.
- Conjunctivitis and blepharitis may also occur.
- Facial lymphoedema can be an addedcomplication.1
- Ocular involvement is the most serious complication.
- Blepharitis, conjunctivitis, episcleritis, iritis and keratitis may occur.
Investigations
- Usually, no investigations are required and the diagnosis is obvious clinically.
- However, rosacea must be distinguished from acne vulgaris, systemic lupus erythematosus, photosensitivity disorders and seborrhoeic dermatitis (the latter may coexist with rosacea).1
Triggering factors
Over indulgence in tea, coffee, other drinks, tobacco, alcoholic, beverages, spiced food, etc.
The same may be said for focal infection, avitaminosis, and decease of the digestive system and endocrine abnormalities.
Management
Mild disease may respond to topical antimicrobials, such as metronidazole or azelaic acid.
Scope of Homeopathy
Acne is rightly treated by homeopathy by a remedy given based on totality as acne is usually associated with underlying causes. Acne during puberty can be treated by homeopathy by consideration of cause and covering total picture including physical and mental makeup of the person. The benefit is when a patient is treated for acne with a constitutional remedy, not only acne will get better acutely but tendency to acne is decreased or removed and the underlying cause is treated. In addition to this, remedy based on type of acne also gives results in few cases but our main guiding line for curative line of result shall always be totality.
Few Homeopathic Remedies for acne which can be helpful for local or mild acne are given below but it will be helpful only if the symptoms match with the patient.
Acne Rosacea Medicines4
Berberis Aquifolium
Pimply, dry, rough and scaly. Eruptions on scalp extending to face and neck.
Natrium Muriaticum
Skin dirty, dry, withered, unhealthy in general, all varieties of eruptions, but especially the vesicular form. Itching eruptions on margin of hair and nape of neck. Large blotches like hives that itch terribly. After great body exertion nettle rash appears with terrible itching. Very good results when given based on totality.
HeparSulph
Unhealthy, suppurating skin, even slight injury suppurate. Pustular eruptions or afflicted with boils that are very sensitive. Putrid ulcers, surrounded by little pimples. Great sensitiveness to slightest to
Calendula Officinalis
Yellow; goose- flesh. Promotes favourable cicatrisation, with least amount of suppuration. Slough, proud flesh, and raised edges.
AgaricusMuscarius
There is circumscribed redness of skin of face with itching and burning sensation. The skin is cold. The exciting cause in this medicine is exposure to cold air. The skin appears very shiny and is very hot to touch.
Calcarea Sulphurica
Many little matters less pimples under the hair, bleeding when scratched.
Sepia Officinalis
Yellow blotches; pale or sallow; yellow about mouth. Rosacea; saddle-like brownish distribution on nose and cheeks.
Pulsatilla
Acne at puberty aggravated after rich food.
Diet recommendation4
Beneficial foods
Oysters are the richest known source of zinc. Other shellfish, red meats, and wholegrain breads and cereals are also good sources of this mineral. It has been suggested that a lack of zinc in the Diet can play a role in skin inflammation; wound healing, and the course that acne takes.
Liver contains exceptionally high levels of vitamin A, which helps to minimize scarring.
Carrots and sweet potatoes supply beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A. Good intake of beta carotene, may be beneficial for acne.
Wholegrain breakfast cereals, breads, and pasta supply chromium, which is thought to help reduce infections of the skin.
Flax seeds, sesame, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds contain essential fatty acids needed by the skin for healing. These seeds can be ground together, stored in a refrigerator, and sprinkled over cereals, soups, stews, yogurt, and fruits.
Berries, citrus fruits, peppers, and papaya are rich in vitamin C, which is needed for a healthy immune system, to fight bacterial infections.
Avocados and wheat germ supply vitamin E, which assists the skin’s structure and healing.
Garlic, onions, and eggs contain sulphur, which is thought by optimum nutritionists to help the skin, in particular to relieve acne.
Foods to Avoid
Seaweed supplies large amounts of iodine, which can make acne worse in some cases.
Other measures
Evening primrose oil supplements contain gamma linoleum acid, which helps to build new skin and keep it waterproof and supple.
Some herbalists recommend rubbing tea tree oil, liquidized cabbage leaves, and raw garlic onto areas of skin affected by acne.
Supplements of zinc may be beneficial.
References
- Ralston S.H., Penman I.D., Strachan M.W.J., Hobson R.P. Davidson’s, Principles and Practice of 17threv.ed. Edinburgh; New York: Churchill Livingstone; 1995. 1203p.
- API Textbook of Medicine. Mumbai: The Association of Physicians of India, Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) ; 1444p
- Ursell A. The Complete Guide Healing Foods. 1sted. London: Dorling Kindersley Ltd.,2000. 256p
Boericke W. Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica. San Francisco: Boericke & Runyon; 1901, 572p.