Acne rosacea is an inflammatory disorder predominantly affecting the central face. It rarely affects patients under age 30. Rosacea is more common in women, but those more severely affected are men.

It is characterized by erythema, talengiectasis, and superficial pustules and is not associated with comedones. Rosacea rarely involves the chest or back.

There is a relationship between the tendency for pronounced facial flushing and the subsequent development of acne rosacea. Initially, individuals with rosacea demonstrate a pronounced flushing reaction. This may be in response to heat, emotional stimuli, alcohol, hot drinks or spicy foods. As the disease progresses, the flush persist longer and longer, eventually becoming permanent. Papules, pustules and talengiectasis then become superimposed on the persistent flush.

Rosacea of long standing may lead to connective tissue overgrowth, particularly of the nose (rhinophyma), and may be complicated by inflammatory disorders of the eye, including keratitis, blepharitis, iritis and recurrent chalazion. These ocular problems potentially threaten vision and warrant ophthalmologic evaluation.

Acne rosacea can generally be effectively treated with oral tetracycline in doses ranging from 250 to 1500 mg/d. topical metronidazole is also effective, and low potency, non-fluorinated topical glucocorticoids, particularly after cool soaks, may alleviate facial erythema. Fluorinated topical glucocorticoids should be avoided, since chronic use of these preparations may actually elicit rosacea. Topical therapy is not effective for ocular disease.

Symptoms

The skin of the center of the face—typically on or surrounding the nose—is red and swollen, with acne-like blemishes. As the condition progresses, parts of the eye become inflamed and the nose may enlarge.

Treatment

Medications used to treat rosacea include topical and oral antibiotics. The main topical drug, metronidazole has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. The most commonly used oral antibiotic is tetracycline.

The Ayurvedic herbs that are useful in treating acne are haridra, daruharidra, Manjishta, Sariva, methi etc.

Herbal Pack for Acne rosacea

• Kaishore guggulu – 2 tablets twice daily

• Gandhak Rasayan – 2 tablets twice daily

• Neem Capsules – 2 capsules twice daily