How to Treat Rosacea with Home Remedies

Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder characterized by redness on the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead that comes and goes. Over time, the redness become more persistent and blood vessels may appear. If left untreated, bumps can appear and in severe cases, the skin can swell from excess tissue. The redness from rosacea is often aggravated by alcohol, spicy foods, stress and heat. It is important to understand that rosacea is not acne. It involves the dilation of the small blood vessels of the face. While rosacea cannot be cured, the symptoms can be controlled with proper treatment.

Eat a Low Fat, High Fiber Diet

• The rosacea diet -- which is low in fat and high in fiber -- helps the digestive tract. There is a strong connection between rosacea and digestive problems. If the body cannot properly eliminate toxins from the body, then the toxins can trigger a flareup. A diet low in fat and high in fiber allows the body to process the important vitamins and minerals associated with elimination and digestion. In addition, a low fat, high fiber diet stabilizes the amount of insulin produced by the body, which can trigger flare-ups.

Consider Betaine Hydrochloric Supplement

• Betaine hydrocholoric supplements (also known as Betaine HCL) are commonly used to treat rosacea. Rosacea patients who have reduced stomach acids due to allergies, asthma and gallstones should consider taking this supplement. Studies have shown that women who take Betain hydrocholoric supplements heal faster and have less flare-ups. If you take the supplement, make sure you take it with food or else it can create the sensation of heartburn. The usual dosage is 500 to 1,000 mg.

Avoid Known Triggers

• People diagnosed with rosacea are advised to stay away from known triggers. Individual triggers for rosacea vary from person to person. Common triggers are alcohol, spicy foods, stress, heat, extreme exercise, hot-humid air, spinach, chocolate and caffeine.

Take Milk Thistle Supplements

• According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a September 2000 study determined that ingesting milk thistle can help improve overall liver functions. Poor liver functions leads to a congested liver, which is not able to cleanse the body of toxins. The side effects of poor liver functions can be skin disorders and digestive problems. Liver functions typically start to decline between the ages of 30 and 50 due to poor diet and exercise. This is also the time when the majority of the people are diagnosed with rosacea. Milk thistle is available at health food stores.

Niacinamide Cream

• Niacinamide, which is a form of vitamin B-3, can be used as a topical cream for treating rosacea. One study on the effects of over-the-counter facial creams containing niacinamide showed that they can significantly improve the symptoms of rosacea when applied twice daily for four weeks.