Are you blushing or is it Rosacea?

Did you know there are thousands of Australians suffering from Rosacea – a skin condition which affects the middle of the face causing persistent red cheeks and nose? Whilst it could be considered ‘cute’ by some to have hint of blush people who suffer from this often have to contend with dry skin and various other problems as well.

Some of the research however reveals that a small mite may be behind this disease. Demodex folliculorum are microscopic mites living normally in human skin and studies show that these occur in large numbers on the faces of people with Rosacea. Doctors however don’t know if the mites play a role in the development of the disease.

Dr Frank Powell of the Mater Misericordia Hospital in Ireland says that there is evidence that the mites could be responsible for the Rosacea. Researchers have identified distinct bacteria of Demodex mites which stimulated an immune response leading to inflammation in 79% of patients with Rosacea which suggests that these could be responsible for the condition.

Precautions to take when you have Rosacea are to have no spicy food or alcohol, limit stress, heat and humidity, avoid abrasives, stay in the shade, stay cool, avoid hot baths and showers, wool and hot foods.

You should also use a gentle cleanser to clean but not stimulate. Soothe the face with chamomile but don’t use anything containing alpha hydroxyl acid over 2.5%. It’s also good to apply cucumber moisturiser and use only sensitive skin cosmetic cleansers and only titanium dioxide sunscreen.

You could try to apply cold compresses – soaking a cloth in ice cold water and apply to the flushed area as the cold constricts the dilated blood vessels and stops the inflammatory process but if all else fails tinted green makeup combines with the red and neutralizes it.

Remember though that what you eat will affect every part of your body. The liver filters toxins and toxins and inflammation in the body will be reflected in its largest organ – the skin. So whilst Rosacea may have other factors involved it is still important to watch your food. One serving of protein daily, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, up to 2 litres of water, ensure you go to the toilet daily to empty your bowels and you are not constipated, that you get enough sleep and exercise and some multivitamins and minerals to supplement for all the harmful environmental factors of our modern technological lifestyle. This will ensure that your immunity is well on the mend. Remember also to get a sensitivity test to find if there are any foods or environmental sensitivities. A good sensitivity test will tell you also what hormones are lacking, which vitamins and also what stomach enzymes are not working as they should be.

On an external level Sea Buckthorn oil is a rare Omega 7 essential fatty acid which has been shown to kill the Demodex and applying it as well as using a good anti-inflammatory appears to reduce the inflammation. Sea Buckthorn is available in Australia so why not see how your face responds?