Acne Rosacea: Another Silent Epidemic
Marie Nadeau, licensed aesthetician www.marieveronique.com
A number of disorders with puzzling etiologies are growing to epidemic proportions. Today we’re going to talk about one that doesn’t get much press because it is not life-threatening. However, the fact that the skin disorder acne rosacea is estimated to afflict between 14 to 16 million Americans, with the number of sufferers growing by leaps and bounds, speaks to something rotten in the state of the union, to paraphrase Hamlet’s Marcellus. But before we explore why it might be that rosacea has joined the ranks of other diseases such as breast cancer and autism, disorders that are both mysterious in origin and growing in numbers, let’s look at what rosacea is.
Rosacea by Definition
The Journal of American Academy of Dermatology (United States), Apr 2002, 46(4) p584-7) gives us the following description:
"Rosacea is a chronic cutaneous disorder, primarily of the central face. It is often characterized by remission and exacerbation and it encompasses various combinations of such cutaneous signs as flush, erythema, telangiectasias, edema, papules, pustules, ocular lesions, and rhinophyma. Primary features considered as necessary for diagnosis include flushing, erythema, papules, pustules, and telangiectasias. A variety of secondary features are listed that may be absent or present as a single finding or in any combination."
In other words, rosacea is a common, chronic, progressive inflammatory skin disorder based upon vascular instability. Primarily affecting the central part of the face, rosacea is characterized by facial flushing/blushing, facial redness, papules, pustules, and dilated capillaries. In severe cases, particularly in men, the soft tissue of the nose may swell, producing the bulbous enlargement known as rhinophyma-- two examples of rhinophyma are W.C. Fields, who had an extremely advanced case, and former President Clinton. A diagnosis of rosacea requires the presence of primary features such as flushing, facial redness, pustules and/or dilated capillaries. Ocular lesions, rhinophyma and/or swelling may or may not be present.
Rosacea generally occurs between the ages of 25 and 70 years, and is much more common in fair-complected people, in fact, it's often called the "Celtic curse." Women are more likely than men to have rosacea, although the disease is generally more severe in men. Rosacea is chronic, and can persist for years with periods of exacerbation and remission.
In addition to skin problems, up to 50 percent of people who have rosacea have eye problems caused by the condition. Typical symptoms of ocular rosacea include redness, dryness, itching, burning, tearing, and the sensation of having sand in the eye. The eyelids may become inflamed and swollen. Some people say their eyes are sensitive to light and their vision is blurred or otherwise impaired.
The Acne Connection
Rosacea was originally called "acne rosacea" because its inflammatory papules and pustules so closely mimic those of acne vulgaris. Unlike acne vulgaris however, whose etiology is based on the interaction of abnormal keratinization, increased sebum production and bacterial-induced inflammation, rosacea's inflammation is vascular in nature. Rosacea is caused by the dilation of tiny microvessels called arterioles, capillaries, and venules, which occurs close to the surface of the skin. This causes the skin to break out with blotchy red areas called papules. A papule is a red solid elevated inflammatory skin lesion without pus (unless the papule is severe). These papules have three classifications; minor, moderate and severe. A minor Rosacea papule is the size of a small measles lesion. A moderate Rosacea papule is the size of a pencil eraser. A severe papule is the size of a coin and also contains pustules (pus-filled inflammatory bumps).
Because changes are gradual, rosacea may be hard to recognize in its early stages. Many people mistake rosacea for a sunburn, a complexion change, or acne--especially the latter, as some rosacea sufferers do have a significant acne component in their symptoms. A few discernible differences can help to make the correct diagnosis: rosacea usually does not present with the blackheads that are seen with acne vulgaris, the papules and pustules are less follicular in origin, the age of onset is older, and the location of redness is usually restricted to the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead. Rosacea will probably have an underlying redness that is related to flushing and thus will look different than acne vulgaris, as acne sufferers normally do not have the accompanying redness. Rosacea can develop gradually as mild episodes of facial blushing or flushing which, over time, may lead to a permanently red face.
The identifying features of rosacea are:
* a diffuse transient redness of the skin of the face and neck caused either by emotion (blush) or physical/external stimuli (flush), such as drinking hot liquids or eating spicy foods *increased oiliness of the skin *blemishes/pimples (papules and pustules) *enlargement of the small blood vessels of the face (telangiectasias) *increased pore size *swelling of the skin, especially of the nose (rhinophyma) *eye involvement (blepharitis, conjunctivitis, iritis, keratitis)
A predisposition to rosacea or "prerosacea" may be identified in the teens and twenties. The patient may have a family history of rosacea, easily blush, and frequently develop transient redness and/or burning and stinging in response to topical anti-acne medications or over-the-counter skin care products such as sunscreens, astringents, cleansers, perfumes, colognes or after-shave preparations. Without treatment, prerosacea (early rosacea) can progress through the three stages of rosacea that may eventually lead to severe facial disfigurement.
Stages of Rosacea
"Rosacea is primarily a disorder of the facial blood vessels. Experts from across the world agree that vascular abnormalities are central to all stages and symptoms of rosacea". --Beating Rosacea, Vascular, Ocular and Acne Forms, by Geoffrey Nase PhD, Nase Publications 2001.
Rosacea experts talk about rosacea symptoms appearing in 4 stages. Over time rosacea can progress from one stage to the next.
Pre-Rosacea: in the first cardinal sign of rosacea blood vessels dilate to more stimuli, open wider and stay open for longer periods of time compared to normal persons. No visible damage can normally be seen.
Mild Rosacea: begins when the facial redness induced by flushing persists for an abnormal length of time - usually 1/2 an hour or more after a trigger. Those who have frequent pre-rosacea flushing are highly susceptible to progressing to mild rosacea.
Some of the common triggers for a facial flush are heat, cold, emotions, exercise, topical irritants and allergic reactions.
Moderate Rosacea: as facial flushing becomes more frequent and intense, vascular damage occurs. This can result in long lasting redness, swelling and inflammatory papules and pustules. Telangiectasia (damaged micro blood vessels, often visible on the surface of the skin) may be noticed in the areas where flushing is worst.
Severe Rosacea: characterized by intense bouts of facial flushing, severe inflammation, facial pain, swelling and burning sensations. Sufferers may develop intolerance to products they were able to use before. Also inflammatory papules, pustules and nodules may be present. Some experience a bulbous enlargement of the nose known as rhinophyma.
Flushing—What Triggers It
A common denominator for rosacea sufferers is that they have more facial vessels or the vessels that they have are severely damaged. The result is that anything that stimulates facial dilation cannot be handled easily or properly. The more blood vessels one has near the surface of the skin, the more one is likely to flush and stay flushed. Rosacea is a progressive skin disorder unless treated. The blood vessels continue to grow with age and are stimulated and damaged by stress, food/drinks, dehydration, weather, sun exposure, abrasive soaps/exfoliating medications, hot bath, exercise, etc.
The following descriptions of flushing triggers should be considered in context--flushing occurs as part of a complex interaction of several systems.
Clock rosacea or systemic flushing- The body operate on a biological clock. Hospital medical staff have been aware for years that the lowest body temperature of the 24 hour day is usually around 3:00 to 4:00 A.M. while the highest temperature of the day is generally 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. The average rosacea sufferer does not have hospital waking and sleeping hours, therefore their temperature lows and highs may vary 3 to 5 hours each way. A high temperature for some may be as early as 3:00 P.M.
Nervous system flushing--Flushing usually occurs when the body becomes fatigued and/or stressed. This stimulates the autonomic sympathetic nervous system, specifically, the sympathetic postganglionic efferent nerves. Any activation of these nerves causes vasoconstriction of "body blood vessels" except in the "facial blush/flush areas" where it induces potent vasodilatation or flushing with the resulting "rosacea flush". The following events can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system to produce flushing.
Stress Lack of sleep Anxiety (fight or flight) Increase in internal body temperature Nervousness or embarrassment
The sympathetic nervous system is especially important to rosacea patients who tend to have one or more of the following:
* Genetically weak blood vessels * Damaged blood vessels from years of sun * Damaged support system for blood vessels (collagen-elastin of skin) * Increased number of blood vessels.
Heavy meal flushing and sugar/carbohydrate flushing- This flushing or vascular dilation is caused by more stress on the digestive system resulting in a higher blood flow to the digestive system with the residual blood flow being heavier to the face. Remember that simple carbohydrates such as donuts, sugars, alcohol, etc. enter the blood stream quickly causing hyperglycemia (high glucose spikes). This rapid influx of sugar into the blood stream is a potent vasodilator. Steroid flushing - "Never, never, never, ever prescribe steroids for rosacea" Dr.Kligman (Dermatology-University of Philadelphia) & Dr. Pleig (Dermatologische Klinik Und Poliklinik der Universitat Munchen, Germany) state in their 1973 book, Acne & Rosacea, First edition. Likewise, their second edition in 1993 harshly criticizes dermatologists who prescribe steroids for rosacea. Here is what they have to say:
“When a rosacea patient is erroneously treated for a prolonged time with topical steroids the disorder may at first respond, but inevitably the signs of steroid atrophy emerge with thinning of the skin and marked increase in telangiectases. The complexion becomes dark red with a copper-like hue. Soon the surface becomes studded with round, follicular, deep papulopustules, firm nodules, and even secondary comedones. The appearance is shocking with a flaming red, scaling, papule-covered face. Steroid rosacea is an 'avoidable condition' which in addition to disfigurement is accompanied by severe discomfort and pain. Withdrawal of the steroid is inevitably accompanied by exacerbation of the disease, a trying experience for a patient and physician. Always avoid steroids or cortisones for any purpose. If you are on them now, get off as quickly as possible as the body and skin continue to be further addicted to steroids or cortisones for any medical purpose. Most dermatologists know not to prescribe a steroid for rosacea.” (1)
Adrenaline flushing - This kind of vascular dilation is caused by an adrenaline rush accompanied by immediate or instant flushing. It has the same appearance as that caused by sympathetic nerve involvement, but the main trigger here is hormone release. Stress is the body's reaction to a perceived threat. Adrenaline and hormones are released and the nervous system is activated to sharpen our senses, increase pulse rate, tense muscles and shut down the immune system. People under stress may experience fatigue, upset stomach, frequent headaches, and a flushing face.
Exercise flushing—as the cardiovascular system pumps harder and faster blood vessels dilate and cause flushing. Exercise should be done moderately in a cool area keeping the body well hydrated with water to minimize the redness.
Cigarette flushing –Smoking depletes the skin of vitamin C (essential for the formation of collagen), accelerates the cross linkage of collagen and the hardening of elastin, and creates free radicals which destroy capillary structures. Smoking robs the skin of oxygen and is a potent initiator of telangiectasis. In addition, the smoker may have a variety of medical problems such as high blood pressure and mineral deficiencies which can cause the appearance of telangiectasis.
Hot shower/bath flushing --The stimulation of hot showers/baths causes vascular dilation.
Alcohol flushing - There are several factors that contribute to alcohol flushing. First of all, allergy redness can result from drinking beer and red wine. In addition, alcohol is a diuretic which pushes water out of the body cells. In this state of dehydration the body is prone to flushing. Besides the above, alcohol is a concentrated source of calories and is metabolized very quickly, causing the blood vessels to dilate.
. Chilly or cold weather flushing -- These flushing flare ups result from coming in from the cold into a warm room. When the rosacea sufferer is outside in the cold weather the cardiovascular system is pumping hard, however, due to conservation of energy the extremities such as the feet, hands, ears, and nose get less blood supply than the rest of the body. When this person enters a heated room the warmer temperatures quickly warms the facial skin areas and extremities while the cardiovascular system is still in a moderately high exercise mode.
Pollen and contact flushing - Spring in most countries is the time for pollen and mold spores, which can affect many rosacea sufferers.
Sun exposure flushing-- All forms of ultraviolet radiation are believed to contribute to the development of skin cancer, and likewise cause havoc for the rosacea sufferer.
UVA rays constitute 90-95% of the ultraviolet light reaching the earth. They have a relatively long wavelength (320-400 nm) and are not absorbed by the ozone layer. UVA light penetrates the furthest into the skin and is involved in the initial stages of suntanning. UVA tends to suppress the immune function and is implicated in premature aging of the skin.
UVB rays are partially absorbed by the ozone layer and have a medium wavelength (290-320 nm). They do not penetrate the skin as far as the UVA rays do and are the primary cause of sunburn.
UVC rays have the shortest wavelength (below 290 nm) and are almost totally absorbed by the ozone layer. As the ozone layer thins UVC rays may begin to contribute to sunburning and premature aging of the skin.
Sunscreens—Chemical versus Physical
Sunscreens are designed to protect against sunburn (UVB rays) and generally provide little protection against UVA rays. UVA rays have a depressing effect on the immune system, and are therefore a "setup" for other dermatological problems such as rosacea.
Chemical sunscreens may contain chemicals such as benzophenone or oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) as the active ingredient. They prevent sunburn by absorbing the ultraviolet (UVB) rays. Most chemical sunscreens contain from 2 to 5% of benzophenone or its derivatives (oxybenzone, benzophenone-3) as their active ingredient. Benzophenone is one of the most powerful free radical generators known to science. It is used in industrial processes to initiate chemical reactions and promote cross-linking. Benzophenone is activated by ultraviolet light. The absorbed energy breaks benzophenone's double bond to produce two free radical sites. They are well-known skin irritant, especially at higher concentrations. Two chemicals frequently found in sunscreen formulations that bill themselves as “natural” are worthy of special attention.
Octyl methoxycinnamate
Margaret Schlumpf and her colleagues at the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Zurich have found that many widely-used sunscreen chemicals mimic the effects of estrogen and trigger developmental abnormalities in rats. (Schlumpf , Margaret; Beata Cotton, Marianne Conscience, Vreni Haller, Beate Steinmann, Walter Lichtensteiger. In vitro and in vivo estrogenicity of UV screens. Environmental Health Perspectives Vol. 109 (March 2001) pp 239-244)
Her group tested six common chemicals that are used in sunscreens, lipsticks and facial cosmetics. Five of the six tested chemicals (benzophenone-3, homosalate, 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4-MBC), octyl-methoxycinnamate and octyl-dimethyl-PABA) behaved like strong estrogen in lab tests and caused cancer cells to grow more rapidly.
Avobenzone
In 1997 Europe, Canada and Australia switched to a sunscreen that uses three active ingredients--avobenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. Avobenzone is powerful free radical generator and degrades in ½ to one hour after application. For more information about chemical sunscreens and their possible health hazards please see www.skinbiology.com/toxicsunscreens.html
Most chemical sunscreens cause various degrees of redness and sensitivity to rosacea sufferers.
Physical sunscreens contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These physical sunscreens are made up of inert minerals which do not penetrate the skin. They work by reflecting the ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) rays away from the skin. These physical natural minerals used as a sunscreen are preferable for rosacea sufferers.
Food allergy flushing--Stimulants such as coffee, tea, cigarettes, and excessive sugar from sweets and soda are vascular dilators and should be avoided. Sodas (soft drinks, pop) containing aspartame and or NutraSweet cause excessive redness in approximately 30% of rosacea sufferers and should be avoided. Hot, spicy foods trigger a bout of facial flushing in some people. Food allergy flushing is not rosacea, although many people with rosacea also have food allergies. A food allergy can cause redness, flushing, itching and fluid-filled pustules to appear on the skin. Food allergies can also cause itching, tearing and a discharge from the eyes.
Causes
While the cause of rosacea is unknown and there is no cure, this recent hypothesis is certainly intriguing.
Might be a mite?
After extensive research, Dr. Mark Dahl, chairman of the department of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School has concluded that the lesions of virtually all rosacea patients are infected by a parasite. Dr. Frank C. Powell reported in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology that 42 patients with rosacea had on average four times as many of these parasites on their facial skin when compared to people without the condition.
The parasite in question is called Human Demodex, which can be found, principally on the face, of approximately 98% of the human population. The parasite, which looks like a microscopic worm, lives in human and animal hair follicles and sebaceous gland. It passes through hair follicle pores freely, feeding on endoplasm. Since it was first discovered in the hair follicle it is sometimes called the hair follicle mite.
Dermodex is also implicated in hair loss. When Demodex folliculorum sucks nutrients out of hair root the hair follicle becomes enlarged and infected. The final result is inflammation of the surrounding tissue and hair loss.
Demodex brevis feeds on the nutrients in the sebaceous glands. As a result, the sebaceous glands become infected and inflamed. The theory goes that when both Demodices are present the damage can be substantial. Demodex breeds and multiples quickly (2 weeks), leaving the infested person with enlarged pores and rough, inflamed skin—in short with all the symptoms of rosacea.
Environmental factors—part of the story?
We are just becoming aware of what an important role environmental factors play in health and disease, and are on the brink of establishing a solid connection between some diseases of unknown origin and common environmental substances--many of them man-made. Individuals vary greatly in their susceptibility to various substances, so that one person may become deathly ill by exposure to a substance, while another is not at all affected. This is the genetic link that may explain, at least in part, why only some people in a population group or specific location suffer from a “mystery” disease such as breast cancer or rosacea. In the case of rosacea, I believe that a case may be made for environmental factors playing a role. And, while we can’t control all of the environmental insults that visit us on a daily basis, there are some obvious ones that we can do something about.
One Day in the Life of ….
Our skins are our first defense against invasion. It does a heroic job every day protecting us against temperature change, weather, and the “thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to. “ These days we don’t make its job any easier, in fact, without realizing it most of us are making our skins work harder than they’ve ever had to in order to keep us healthy. Just to get an idea of what they go through, let’s take a look at one day in the life of an average American skin we’ll call Skinny.
7AM Skinny starts the day with a big breakfast. After a hot shower with shampoo (sodium laurel sulfate, tetrasodium EDTA) and a floral-scented soap, Skinny is slathered with body lotion (fragrances and parabens) and dosed with anti-perspirant (aluminum chlorohydrate, butane, isobutane, propane). The owner is conscientious about facial care, so after a face-washing with a special alpha-hydroxy acid product and a toning with a scented alcohol and witch hazel astringent, Skinny gets a layer of sunscreen (avobenzone, octyl methoxycinnamate) under a layer of cosmetics (propylene glycol, D&C colors).
8AM Skinny sits in traffic for one-two hours (ozone, nitrogen oxides), before going into a sealed, air-conditioned room (microbes, mold, ozone, volatile organic compounds etc.). In the cube, Skinny bathes in the glow of a computer screen (ultraviolet radiation emissions) while its owner drinks coffee and eats a donut.
4PM At the hairdresser’s Skinny’s owner expresses concern about an annoying rash on the cheeks. After the hair tinting (lead acetate, ammonia compounds, coal-tar etc.) Skinny, as a special treat, gets the first in a series of glycolic peels.
7PM After a quick tv dinner Skinny’s owner drinks several cups of coffee to stay awake while catching up on the work that didn’t get done at the office.
12AM Skinny’s owner applies Renova, a prescription topical retinoid known for working wrinkle-eradication magic. Hmmm, that rash didn’t seem to be getting any better. Maybe it’s time for a laser treatment…
Conventional Treatment
Rosacea patients are often given prescriptions of oral tetracycline (1-1.5 g daily), minocycline (100 mg twice daily) or doxycycline (100 mg once or twice daily. Very recent studies indicate that low-dose treatment with doxycycline hyclate (20 mg twice daily) may be effective in the treatment of roscea and blepharitis. These studies are in the ongoing or planned stages.
Topical applications of metronidazole (.75 % to 1% gel or cream) can be beneficial in reducing the severity of inflammatory lesions but does not affect telangiectasias.
Other Treatments
While there is no known cure for rosacea it is quite clear that some things make it worse. In addition to the established flushing triggers and how to minimize them I would suggest that any rosacea sufferer heed Skinny’s story. We assault our skins with a daily dose of a shocking variety of chemicals and then wonder why our complexions act up. Acne rosacea could actually be a variant of multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome—as in the case of a multiple chemically sensitive person whose immune system has broken down under constant substance assault, a rosacea sufferer may have an integumentary system that is undergoing meltdown from a barrage of chemical attacks. So, in addition to the conventional “to avoid” items that every rosacea sufferer has heard time and again, I want to add a few caveats of my own.
The goal of any treatment program for rosacea is to decrease vascular dilation through vascular constriction, which will minimize flushing of any type. Here are some things to avoid, as well as some things to try.
1) To avoid heavy-meal flushing--Three small meals with breakfast being the most important and grazing or snacks in between is better for limiting this kind of flushing. This will maintain the proper blood sugar content for energy to prevent fatigue or exhaustion. The type of food that you eat is also very important as various foods stimulate blood flow differently. Some anti-inflammatory foods as well as foods to avoid are listed on page 12.
Simple carbohydrates such as donuts, sugars, alcohol, etc. enter the blood stream quickly causing hyperglycemia (high glucose spikes). This rapid influx of sugar into the blood stream is a potent vasodilator. Fiber intake decreases the amount of food that the stomach has at one time and prolongs digestion; therefore, it prevents the sudden influx into the blood stream with the resultant flushing.
2) To limit exercise flushing--It's best to adapt slowly over time to the exercise so that the body is aerobic (with oxygen) instead of anaerobic (without oxygen causing redness - you remember when you tried holding your breath for a minute with the result of your facial skin immediately turning pink or red).
There are a myriad of benefits of water for exercise and metabolic waste build up. Water is absolutely necessary for strong, flexible plasma membranes of all cells.
3) To minimize hot bath flushing--Overall, it is better to shower in tepid water in the range of 85 to 95 degrees to cool the body and prevent vascular dilation. You may choose to shower with warmer water to open the pores up to clear them or for relaxing, however, remember to begin to lower the temperature to a much lower degree for cooling off to prevent the skin from turning red or to reduce the redness from the prior higher temperature. The cooler water temperature produces vascular constriction.
4) Alcohol flushing-- Avoid beer as it is higher in carbohydrates, however, if you like beer; drink your domestic beer from your own country as it is usually sold within six weeks of production. Foreign beers imported into your country usually have preservatives which make for more redness. Domestic 'light beer' usually does not have as many carbohydrates and less alcohol content making it the beer of choice. Wine is heavy in carbohydrates and even higher in preservatives/sulfites. Red wines usually are the worst culprits in causing flushing. If you prefer wine, a white wine would be best. It is better to drink small amounts of gin, vodka or whiskey, diluted with water instead of sugared soft drinks or mixes which also can stimulate the cardiovascular system.
Although these recommendations can help to minimize flushing, still the best thought is "not to drink any type of alcohol". Even though alcohol sedates, it can prevent a good night sleep as the alcohol stimulates the brain.
5) Cold weather flushing--The rosacea sufferer should try to minimize the extreme cold exposure by warming up the car prior to use or wearing a facial mask/hat/scarf depending on length of exposure and severity of cold temperatures. After being exposed to the cold for a long period, try to enter the building slowly so the cardiovascular system will not be as stimulated, and then proceed slowly into the warmer office/home to minimize flushing.
6) Topical applications as irritants--rosacea sufferers are cautioned against using common acne treatments such as alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic and lactic acids), topical retinoids (such as tretinoin, Retin-A Micro, Renova, Avita, Differin), benzoyl peroxide, topical azelaic acid, triclosan, acne peels, and chemical peels. Also avoid topical exfoliants (scrubs and enzyme peels), toners and astringents that contain alcohol and witch hazel, and cleansers, chemical sunscreens esp. with benzophenones and/or avobenzone, and moisturizers and lotions that contain propylene glycol, D&C colors, PEG products, fragrances, alcohol, witch hazel, menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus oil, mineral oil, lanolin, sulfur, phenoxyethanol, hydroxybenzoates (parabens) (2)—in other words, try to be as natural as you can!
Alternative treatments
Diet—one of the most important factors in treating any skin condition is diet. Make sure you include the skin vitamins in your diet—Vitamins A, E and C and the mineral zinc, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Foods to add: apple, burdock, broccoli, celery, celery root, cold-water fish& flax seeds (contain Omega-3s which quenches inflammatory cascade), onions (contain high amounts of histamine-quenching quercetin which inhibits production of leukotrienes,) berries (high in bioflavonoids), garlic, (rich in sulfer and selenium), cruciferous vegetables--broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, chard, mustard greens, rutabagas, turnips and kale-- (contain antioxidants and the compound sulforaphane) turmeric (contains curcumin, a powerful, anti-inflammatory agent excellent for treating inflammatory problem such as arthritis, liver and gall bladder problems. It has been found to block the production of certain prostaglandins and to have effects on a par with cortisone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.)
Foods to avoid: nightshades (tomato, eggplant, peppers and potatoes) (contain solamine, a calcium inhibitor) dairy except goat and sheep, transfats and animal fats as a source of arachidonic acid, excess salts and sugars (they change cell membrane fluidity) *thanks to Nori M. Hudson, nmhudson@pacbell.net for this most helpful information
Fresh juices such as carrot and apple are a good way to stay vitaminized and hydrated. Herbal infusions are another good way to maintain a high-level liquid intake and treat your skin at the same time. Skullcap, vervain and chamomile are good for the nervous system, burdock, yellow dock and nettle nourish the skin and cool the blood, and borage, licorice and evening primrose are good to maintain hormonal balance.
Topical applications
Cleanse with yogurt and/or oatmeal. Oatmeal also makes a soothing mask. You might want to add ½ tsp of organic honey to the oatmeal. Green tea makes an excellent toner. Drinking one 2-3 cups of oolong tea a day is supposed to be useful for reducing inflammation.
Here are just a few of the natural oils that will help soothe and treat your skin:
Emu oil—anti-inflammatory and cell-restorative, good for healing burns (including sunburn) and scar tissue Sea buckthorn oil—oil from the sea buckthorn plant is used to treat many kinds of skin disorders, from eczema to wrinkles. It is mentioned here because some claim that is useful in combating Human Demodex. Evening Primrose oil—an exceptionally nourishing oil due to its high gamma-linolenic acid content
Essential oils
Some essential oils are known for their beneficial healing effects on the skin. The following recipe comes from Advanced Aromatherapy, by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt
Care for sensitive skin, chemically damaged or sunburned skin and spider veins
“Through the interaction of regenerating and anti-inflammatory components, it creates the necessary stimulation of the skin without causing irritation.”
Moroccan chamomile 0.5 milliliter Everlasting 0.5 milliliter Lavender 0.5 milliliter Roman Chamomile 0.5 milliliter Hazelnut oil 50 milliliters
Sea vegetables have a high mineral and vitamin content and are wonderfully nutritive for the skin and body. Use a sea greens facial to help dilate capillaries.
Sea Greens Facial Mix 1 tsp sea greens (kelp, kombu, hijiki, nori, arame, bladderwrack, wakana, dulse, irish moss in any combination) with 2-3 tsps aloe vera gel. Apply to face, leave on approximately 15 minutes then wash off with tepid water.
1) list of corticosteroids (2) potential skin irritants Betamethasone Beeswax chemical sunscreens Clobetasol Benzyl alcohol D&C colors Desonide cetyl and stearyl alcohol PEG products Fluocinolone Edetic acid (EDTA) witch hazel, menthol, peppermint Fluocinonide Fragrances eucalyptus oils Hydrocortisone hydroxybenzoates (parabens) lemon, orange essential oils Inometasone Imidurea lanolin Triamcinolone isopropyl palmitate mineral oil polysorbates propylene glycol sorbic acid
