What is acne rosacea? (see also Rosacea)
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease of the face in which the blood vessels enlarge, giving the cheeks and nose a flushed appearance. It is not really a form of acne, but a vascular condition of the skin which may also be accompanied by papules and pimples. The eruption usually affects the face in a butterfly distribution over the cheeks with a connecting strip on the nose. Groups of capillaries in this area become dilated causing the characteristic redness or rosy appearance of the face. In severe cases there may be nodular swelling of the nose, known medically as Rhinophyma. In approximately 50% of cases there may be dryness and irritation of the margins of the eyes known as Blepharitis

What causes acne Rosacea?
There is no known cause for this condition, but rosacea appears to occur most often in fair-skinned people of northern and eastern European descent, particularly Celtic, English, and Scottish.  It often affects multiple members of the same family, presumably because of their similar complexions and genetic heritage. More women than men are affected, and most people will develop the condition between 30 and 50 years of age. Recent medical evidence suggest a connection with Helicobacter Pylorii, the bacteria known to be responsible for stomach ulcers, so a visit to the GP to have this checked may be helpful.

Natural treatment of acne rosacea
Because of the vascular nature of acne rosacea, food and drink which may dilate the vessels are known to aggravate. Hot drinks should be avoided, especially tea and coffee. Alcohol may also aggravate and should be avoided, as should spicy foods. The skin may be worse in response to stressful situations. Skin care products which contain alcohol should be avoided, and only gentle natural ingredients should be used. Products containing Witch Hazel may be helpful as this can gently astringe the blood vessels, and also especially Rosa Mosqueta oil (a major ingredient in our Rosa Fina range).

Vitamins A, C and B may be helpful in this condition (also included in our Rosa Fina range).

Seeing an experienced Homeopath or Herbalist may be very helpful, especially if there are any digestive complications or any associated eye condition.

Homeopathic treatment for acne rosacea
These remedies may help. Choose the one which seems to fit your symptoms most closely and take it for a month in a 6c potency.  If improvement is seen continue for one more month, if not, try a different remedy. All remedies should be sucked or chewed and not swallowed whole.

• Lachesis
  This remedy may be associated with skin conditions that are worse during the menopause, especially when there are a lot of hot flushes. There will be many small spots and the skin may sometimes take on a purplish hue. The nose may be significantly affected. Traditionally Lachesis patients like to talk a lot and dislike close fitting clothes around their neck.

• Causticum
  This patient will have many pimples on the cheeks and nose which may occasionally itch. There may be associated digestive symptoms. The causticum patient is traditionally quite serious in nature, with a strong sympathectic streak which may make them involved in many good causes.

• Sepia
  This patient will often have the typical saddle distribution over the face and cheeks. The skin may appear very sallow with darkish circles under the eyes. They may be on the chilly side. A typical Sepia patient may have a low energy, and feel tired out from taking on too much and looking after other people.

• Belladonna
  This remedy may be useful where the redness of the face is very marked. There may be a high colour on the whole face, giving the appearance of too much sun. The skin will be hot to touch and the pimples will also be very red.