Still red in the face

May 2009

The hot flush has subsided yet you are still red in the face. If you have noticed a persistent redness in the skin down the centre of your face with broken or dilated capillaries in the cheeks, then you may be suffering rosacea.

This is a skin condition that used to be called acne rosacea though it is not related to acne. The first sign is redness in the:

• centre of the face
• forehead
• nose and chin
• the cheeks.

Later on red blind pimples may appear.

• Rosacea is not caused by menopause but it often appears for the first time in middle age, and may be worsened by menopausal flushing.
• It is most common in fair complexions.
• Rosacea is an inflammatory condition of the skin, and the exact cause is not clear though genetics and sun damage to the skin have been linked.

Many other factors contribute to rosacea:

• Studies have indicated that stress aggravates rosacea.
• There is also a link with poor digestive and liver function and food sensitivities.

Migraines occur more frequently in people with rosacea, underscoring the link to food intolerances. Yeasts and salicylate rich foods are commonly implicated here.

There is no medical "cure" but the condition can be managed with careful lifestyle and food choices.

To ease rosacea it is wise to avoid any inflammatory triggers, such as:

• hot spicy foods
• alcohol
• coffee, chocolate
• stress and anger
• scented creams and lotions that irritate the skin.

If you are also prone to migraines (even frequent headaches count) consider avoiding those foods that are high in amines, salicylates and yeasts, such as:

• aged cheeses like parmesan, blue cheese
• monosodium glutamate (MSG) foods, for example Chinese foods
• amine rich foods such as
  • chocolate
  • marmite
  • vegemite
  • bonox
  • orange juice
  • tomato juice
  • smoked meats and fish
  • salami.

The Hormone Balancing Eating plan will help by reducing the menopausal flushing that commonly worsens rosacea.

For more information about the Hormone Balancing Eating plan, please contact Elizabeth Blomberg at mind body insight. You can also schedule a consultation online.