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Read Dr. Elena Krasnov's Weekly Column in the Health & Fitness section of the 24 Hours Magazine. Look for new articles every week!

Monday, July 07, 2008

Reducing Rosacea from the Inside Out

Q: Hi I am a 27 year old female and was diagnosed with rosacea in Feb. 2008. I was prescribed a topical treatment and was also given a course of Tetracycline. Originally my acne got better however my facial flushing and overall redness did not improve. After using the topical treatment for the past few months I am noticing the my acne is now returning perhaps even worse than before. I am a very active and outgoing person however feel as my rosacea gets worse so too does my self-esteem. I am reluctant to attend social functions for fear that my face will flush and remain that way for the remainder the event. I have read a great deal about rosacea and have tried to avoid my ''triggers'' which has included limiting my food consumption to vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seeds and salmon. I am extremely frustrated and would appreciate any suggestions you may have that might help my condition. Thank you so much.

A: A team of researchers, led by Richard L. Gallo, M.D., Ph.D., professor of medicine and chief of the Division of Dermatology at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine, has determined that it is not one, but a combination of two abnormal factors, that result in rosacea.

"It's like having lots of gasoline...and a match," said Gallo, principal investigator of the study, which will be published in the August 5 online edition of Nature Medicine. In essence, the researchers found that over-production of two interactive inflammatory proteins results in excessive levels of a third protein that causes rosacea symptoms, "a trifecta of unfortunate factors in people with rosacea," according to Gallo.

Rosacea, which has been called adult acne, usually affects people with fair skin, between the ages of 30 and 60. Unlike acne, rosacea isn't associated with a skin infection by one type of bacteria, although antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to treat its symptoms. Current treatments are often not effective.

A naturopathic approach to treating rosacea always starts on the inside, thus a topical treatment is not a solution. I would recommend cleansing the bowel, lymphatic system and connective tissue. It seems that all inflammatory problems start when elimination of toxins is compromised. Healing the skin from the inside is the preferred route. Staying away from triggers is important, but a more important task is to understand why seemingly innocent things have become triggers of the problem. Often the trouble starts when the body is toxic and getting rid of bacterial imbalance in the bowel is the first step. Considering you already took some Antibiotics, you need to take at least some good amounts of Lactobacilli (found in plain yogurt) to restore some balance. Taking digestive enzymes with each meal may also lessen trigger response. I like to use a good amount of natural anti-inflammatory supplements containing curcumin as well as anti-oxidants. Vitamin E is a good supplement when trying to strengthen skin integrity. Often I use homotoxicological preparations from a number of European pharmacies that are designed to promote skin drainage and thus affect healing. Psorinoheel is a remedy I often use when skin issues arise. Lymphatic drainage should be incorporated in your treatment regiment as well. A number of companies make a good lymphatic drainage remedy. My preference is to use some formulas by an Italian manufacturer "GUNA" because they are more innovative in their combination formulas and seem to give faster response then some more traditional homeopathic formulations.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online at 24hrs.ca

Co-written by Miranda Tallon-Malisani Holistic Nutritionist