Rosacea & Acne Guidelines

Rosacea is a disorder that affects both the skin and eyes. It is not completely known what causes rosacea but is suspected that excessive sun exposure may exacerbate the condition. Rosacea occurs most often during the adult year, usually between the ages of 30 and 60. It can be found rarely in children. Women seem to have a higher frequency of occurrence than men of the skin disorder, but both sexes are equal with the ocular version. It is incorrectly assumed that white, fair-skinned people suffer more than the darker skinned people. Some researchers feel that this is not true and the dark skin hides the symptoms more easily than does the lighter skin.

Generally, rosacea is noted by flushed, red skin often involving the nose, chin, cheeks, and the forehead. The neck and the area behind the ears can have an outbreak of the disorder. The eruptions can be embarrassing to the sufferers of this disorder. While the cause of rosacea is not completely understood, some theories include psychological, stress, gastrointestinal, and climatic conditions as the cause. Scientific studies have not substantiated, or disproved, these theories. However, the disease does seem to more prevalent in colder climates where the skin is more likely to be exposed to extreme cold temperatures. Diet is also questioned since it has been noted that hot,  spicy foods can cause an outbreak of the disorder.

Ocular Rosacea affects the eyes and can become very serious. Cornea surgery is required in extreme cases. Often, acne rosacea will manifest itself before the ocular rosacea becomes noticeable. Some of the symptoms are burning, watering, pain, and a sensation of something being in the eye. 

Rosacea Keratitis is a much more serious condition. Less than 30% of rosacea incidents are of this nature. 

Rhinophyma generally affect the nose and is often called drinkers nose. W.C. Fields is an example of someone with rhinophyma symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Who gets Rosacea? Rosacea is considered to be an adult skin disorder. Fair-skinned individuals seem to be affected more than other skin types. Many people who develop rosacea have a history of flushing or blushing more often than average. Women are affected by rosacea a little more often than men while men with rosacea are more likely to develop rhinophyma. 

2) Does drinking cause Rosacea? There is no proof that drinking can cause rosacea, but alcohol can worsen the condition. Non-drinkers have been known to develop rosacea.

3) How does Rosacea develop? One of early stages can be traced to 'rosy cheeks'. Red patches will occur on the face and linger for longer and longer. Finally, the redness will not disappear, but stays. The condition is a chronic one and the symptoms may go away only to return later. Some people will develop pimples and nasal bumps.

4) What can be done about Rosacea? Of course, consult a dermatologist. However, be aware that some prescribed medication can irritate skin already made sensitive by rosacea. Be especially aware of non-prescription medication used for acne. Some of the products have ingredients that will further irritate the skin. Products with emu oil and herbs have been reported to not only sooth the inflamed skin, but has actually helped the skin to become more healthy.

5) Does Featherstone offer any products for Rosacea relief? Most definitely! One of our products, Neemu, is proving especially effective for the relief of rosacea. Some customers are now taking the emu oil gel caps to help with their rosacea symptoms. Skin Therapy is yet another product with emu oil, aloe vera, and other herbs that is being used for rosacea relief.

6) How can Rosacea worsen? Rosacea flare-ups can be caused by alcohol, spicy foods, stress, sunlight, and extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Some types of medicines have been reported to cause rosacea to become active. 

7) Does washing the skin further irritate rosacea? Some soaps and cleansing products can irritate the sensitive skin of rosacea. It has been recommended to use soaps that will not further clog the pores. The soaps offered by Featherstone contain emu oil. Emu oil properties include which prevent the clogging of the skin pores. Check out About Emu Oil to learn more about its properties.

Conventional topical products usually contain metronidazole and can be found in gels. Products containing corticosteroids may help, but long term use if not advised because of possible side affects. In extreme conditions. even surgery has been recommended.

Alternative methods include products that have antibacterial ingredients. Emu oil has proven to be one of natures substances that offer many ingredients helpful in the treatment of rosacea. Skin irritation is greatly reduced when using products that contain at least 25% emu oil. Some herbs such as neem, cats claw, tea tree, ginger, and lavender have also been reported to give ease to the suffering of rosacea. Washing the affected areas with emu oil soap not only cleans the skin, but leaves a residue of emu oil which aids in reducing the inflammation associated with rosacea.

Products from Featherstone that may be beneficial to rosacea patients include Neemu™ , Skin Therapy, Ultra Moisturizing Cream, and Emu Oil. Except for the last one, our products contain skin enhancing herbs such as aloe vera, neem, calendula, ginger, cats claw, and tea tree. Not all skin react the same way to the same herb, so we provide a wide spectrum of emu oil and herbal formulations. Some patients have reported that they found the best results by alternating use of several of the products. For more information about the products, click on Product Link to visit our main site.

It is not intended that this page offer medical advice or to recommend to anyone not to seek help from medical professionals. It is intended to give information to those people who suffer from rosacea in one or more of its many forms, acne, ocular, rhinophyma, or other skin disorders and are seeking alternative or complementary  treatment ideas using herbs and other substances like emu oil.