Green Tea May Improve Symptoms Of Rosacea

Green Tea has  properties that are especially useful for patients with rosacea as inherent sun sensitivity is a hallmark of the disease. The photoprotective properties of green tea may lessen reactivity to ultraviolet light, thereby reducing the signs and symptoms of rosacea. Moreover, green tea extract has been shown to reduce the disruption of the skin barrier often seen in patients with the disease.

In a small study 75% funded by Syed Skincare, patients with papulopustular rosacea treated with a cream containing 2% polyphenone (green tea extract) experienced a significant reduction in lesion count compared with patients applying vehicle cream.

Women randomized to the green tea extract cream had a 70% improvement in rosacea compared with women in the vehicle cream group, said Tanweer Syed, MD, PhD, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of California at San Francisco. Dr. Syed developed the polyphenone cream.

The cream not only has been shown to improve rosacea, but green tea extract also has natural anti-aging and anti-acne properties as well as a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50, Dr. Syed claimed. "The green tea has a soothing quality that helps the redness."The findings are from a small study. Larger studies with multiple investigators will be required to confirm the results.

Medicated Makeup for The Treatment of Rosacea

Carolina Pharmacy Systems, Inc. today announced the launch of Meds in Makeup, the innovative formulation of prescription medicine in makeup base for acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions.

Meds in Makeup is a custom-made prescription makeup that helps control and treat various skin conditions. Carolina Pharmacy Systems makes Meds in Makeup by blending the medicine chosen by a doctor with the makeup base chosen by the patient. Prescriptions are ordered through the Meds in Makeup Web site at http://www.medsinmakeup.com. The product is a customized treatment for acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and other skin disorders.

"Meds in Makeup provides a completely new alternative for patients diagnosed with various skin conditions," said Gina Whittlesey, pharmacist and founder of Carolina Pharmacy Systems. "Meds in Makeup is a convenient way to conceal skin problems such as pimples, facial redness or irritation, while treating acne, rosacea or other skin conditions."

Each proactive acne or rosacea treatment is custom-made by licensed pharmacists using the practice of pharmaceutical compounding. Meds in Makeup provides people with prescription-treatable skin problems an alternative way to apply their treatment. This can improve patient compliance, particularly among teenagers who may want to wear makeup to hide their acne instead of using acne medication. Acne makeup such as Meds in Makeup can conceal acne while effectively treating it. Effective treatment is necessary because no product can completely get rid of acne.

Meds in Makeup also addresses the self-image issues of patients with skin conditions. Teen self-esteem may be improved when adolescents can hide acne with makeup while getting rid of pimples. Patients with rosacea, eczema and psoriasis can conceal redness and irritation as they treat it, which lessens the need to cover affected areas with clothing and can help boost self-esteem.

Balancing Rosacea

A surprising number and variety of physical problems, skin conditions and diseases can be caused by the problem of acid-producing foods. Today the vast majority of the populace in industrialized nations suffers from problems caused by the stress of acidification, because both modern lifestyle and diet promote acidification of the body's internal environment.

The current typical Western diet is largely composed of acidifying elements (proteins, cereals, sugars). Alkaline-producing foods such as vegetables are eaten in much smaller quantities. Stimulants like tobacco, coffee, tea, and alcohol are also extremely acidifying. Stress, and physical activity (both insufficient or excessive amounts) also cause acidification.

Many foods are alkaline-producing by nature, but manufactured processed foods are mostly acid-producing. It is important to balance each meal with 75% alkaline-producing to 25% acid-producing to maintain health. We need plenty of fresh fruits and particularly vegetables (alkaline-producing) to balance our necessary protein intake (acid-producing). And we need to avoid processed, sugary or simple-carbohydrate foods, not only because they are acid-producing but also because they raise blood sugar level too quickly (high glycemic index therefore fattening), are nutrient-lacking and may be toxic too.

pH (potential of hydrogen) is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 14 - the lower the pH the more acidic the solution, the higher the pH the more alkaline (or base) the solution. When a solution is neither acid nor alkaline it has a pH of 7 which is neutral.

Water is the most abundant compound in the human body, comprising 70% of the body. The body has an acid-alkaline (or acid-base) ratio called the pH which is a balance between positively charges ions (acid-forming) and negatively charged ions (alkaline-forming.) The body continually strives to balance pH. When this balance is compromised many problems can occur.

It is important to understand that we are not talking about stomach acid or the pH of the stomach. We are talking about the pH of the body's fluids and cellular tissues which is an entirely different matter.

Exercise May Trigger Rosacea

Exercise is a common trigger for flushing in people with rosacea , but altering exercise regimens can reduce the effect.
Rosacea is a red-faced, acne-like facial condition affecting about 14 million Americans.According to the survey of almost 1,300 people with rosacea, more than 83 percent said exercise triggered or aggravated the signs and symptoms of their disorder.
However, 42 percent said they modified their exercise routines because of the skin condition, and nearly 9 out of 10 of those that did so said those changes reduced the effect of exercise on their rosacea.
"While exercise is important to a healthy lifestyle, people with rosacea should anticipate flare-ups of rosacea signs and symptoms, especially with strenuous activity or outdoor heat exposure," Dr. James Del Rosso, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Nevada Medical School.
"By doing simple things, such as working out in the early morning or late evening when the weather is cooler or in a cool indoor environment, rosacea sufferers may be able to reduce the intensity of flare-ups.
"Other ways to reduce or avoid flare-ups: exercising more often, but for shorter periods of time; running a fan or opening a window in order to keep cool indoors; and cooling off by drinking cold fluids or by keeping a damp towel around the neck.
The survey found that walking triggered rosacea in 36 percent of the respondents, followed by jogging or running (33.5 percent), aerobics (30.5 percent), weight lifting (16 percent), push-ups or sit-ups (15 percent), and bicycling or spinning (15 percent).
Along with exercise, other common triggers of rosacea flare-ups include hot weather, alcohol, sun exposure, emotional stress, humidity, indoor heat, spicy foods, heated beverages and irritating skin-care products.

Rosacea Control

If you have persistent redness of the face and look like you're always blushing, you may have a condition known as rosacea. It typically affects people with fair skin, and typically doesn't occur before age 30.
The cause of rosacea, which affects some 14 million Americans, is unknown, and there is no cure. But the American Rosacea Society offers suggestions on how to reduce the red, acne-like appearance of the skin.
You should see your doctor to determine the best treatment for your condition. Initial treatments typically include an oral antibiotic, as well as topical creams and ointments to reduce redness.
A regular skin care regimen also is important. Wash your face using gentle, non-abrasive facial cleansers and lukewarm water. Don't use a washcloth or scrub your face roughly.
Wear sunscreen whenever you are outside, as exposure to the sun can irritate the condition. Cosmetics, including green-tinted foundation, can help reduce redness.

April Is Rosacea Awareness Month

During Rosacea Awareness Month in April, sponsored by the National Rosacea Society, patients are urged to learn more about effective treatment alternatives now available to help them cope with the serious side effects of this all-too common disorder.
Rosacea Awareness Month is designed to encourage those who may suffer from this widespread condition to seek diagnosis and treatment before it increasingly disrupts their daily lives. Rosacea is characterized by redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead; small visible blood vessels on the face; bumps or pimples on the face; and watery or irritated eyes. Activities such as spending time in the sun, eating spicy food or drinking alcohol can cause embarrassing flare-ups.