COULD A ZINC DEFICIENCY CONTRIBUTE TO ROSACEA?

Zinc is the element responsible in the operation or regulation of the enzymes related to cell proliferation within the body. The amount of zinc in the human body is so small that it is considered a trace mineral. Small as it is, the body's normal zinc supply is a vital factor in growth. Zinc is one of the most important trace minerals, perhaps second only to indium.

Zinc supplementation can decrease the possibility of incurring or altering thyroid hormonal imbalance from those who are zinc deficient. Zinc has been identified as a great factor in reducing the stress levels on diabetics thus reducing the risks of diabetic recurrences. It is also identified that zinc minimizes or prevents the occurrence of eczema, immune system problems, infertility issues, and anorexic attacks.

Zinc is actually considered an antiviral formula thus allowing the wound healing process to take effect immediately. Zinc plays a role in controlling the malnutrition problems including digestion issues, peptic ulcers concerns and many inflammatory diseases and illnesses including colds and viral infections.

Zinc promotes tissue growth allowing for wounds to wounds heal more quickly. Zinc has been proven effective in dealing with fungal infections on scalp even gastric ulcers cure alternative. Zinc eliminates body odor, helps protects the teeth, helps to eliminate bad breath, restores enzyme function of the immune system and skin, strongly fights viruses, protects the nervous system, and much more. Zinc is believed to possess antioxidant properties, which protect against premature aging of the skin and muscles of the body, although studies differ as to its effectiveness. Zinc preparations can protect against sunburn in the summer and windburn in the winter. Applied thinly to a baby's diaper area with each diaper change, it can protect against diaper rash.

Topically applied zinc has been used for decades by various medical physicians for the treatment of inflammatory acne. They have used zinc either as the primary ingredient or in conjunction with other anti-acne medications. Currently, zinc is found in several different active forms in hundreds of over-the-counter skin care products and anti-acne medications. Topically applied zinc has been shown to have a potent anti-septic effect (Drs. Provost and Farmer). More specifically, evidence suggests that zinc has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal actions, as well as mild anti-inflammatory actions(Drs. Rock, Wilkinson, and Ebling).
Signs of zinc deficiency present on the body as acne, hair loss, infection, herpes, body odor, and eye diseases. Zinc can be part of an effective treatment for age-related macular degeneration.

A zinc deficiency contributes to Angina, Alzheimer’s, anemia, anthrax, alcoholism, anorexia &bulimia, bad breath, birth defects, cavities, crohn's disease, chronic viral infections, depression, diabetes, down's syndrome, free radical damage, hypertension, infertility, loss of libido, and loss of smell. T

Zinc as an additive in a skin preparation promotes healing of the skin and eyes. Zinc can also promote cell rejuvenation. For this reason we found it an essential ingredient for Rosacea-Ltd.

Causes Of Rosacea

Researchers have suggested several factors that may be related to its development, therefore:

1)A disorder of the blood vessels that causes them to swell, leading to flushing.
2)A genetic predisposition combined with certain environmental factors that may irritate the skin.
3)Clogging of the sebaceous gland openings with skin mites called Demodex folliculorum, which live in facial-hair follicles.

Medical Use of Sulfur

Sulfur is a naturally occurring mineral in the earth and the eighth most abundant mineral in the human body. Sulfur is the mineral in the body responsible for beauty. It is the primary mineral in the skin, hair, nails, liver, and pancreas. Sulfur allows for the absorption of all other minerals allowing them utilized more efficiently in the body. Sulfur creates permeability in the absorption of other minerals. Sulfur works synergistically with vitamin C to create collagen. Sulfur helps alleviate wrinkles, and skin damage, including scarring. Sulfur helps repair injured joints, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. Sulfur helps build sulfur-bearing amino acids, which detoxify the liver, nourish the hair and skin, and build flexible muscle.

Signs of sulfur deficiency in the body include; skin conditions such as acne, brittle hair, dry skin, inflammation, poor skin quality, rosacea, scars, skin disorders, weak nails, and wrinkles. Muscular problems indicating a sulfur deficiency include; arthritis, back pain, muscle pain, nerve disorders, connective tissue damage, and various other muscle/skeletal disorders. Other signs of a sulfur deficiency in the body may present as constipation, free radical damage, infection, insulin/blood sugar challenges, leathery organs/tissue/skin, liver stagnation, liver disease, migraines, , protein deficiency, stress, urinary tract disorders, asthma, and circulatory problems.

First used in China in 6th century BC, sulfur contains antifungal, antibacterial, and keratolytic properties, which make it ideal for the treatment of acne, rosacea and other skin problems. Keratolytic agents encourage the shedding of dead skin cells that could block pores and cause pimples and other blemishes and excess sebum production. Sulfur is an effective treatment of inflammatory pimples and acne lesions, gradually eliminating the dark scars left by pimples. During the time of Hippocrates, sulfur was used to treat acne and has also been used to treat other skin conditions such as rosacea, dermatitis, warts and dandruff.

Sulfur has been used for the treatment of rosacea for over 20 years, and clinical studies have demonstrated that it is extremely effective in the treatment of rosacea-related papules and pustules (Drs. Ellis and Strawiski). Many dermatologists tailor rosacea treatments to the individual by varying the concentration of sulfur in a given preparation (from 2 percent to 15 percent sulfur). Because rosacea is a chronic disease, treatment must usually be continued for a long period of time. For this reason, Drs. Blom and Hornmark). were interested in a non-toxic, topically administered treatment that would be as effective as orally administered drugs such as antibiotics. To date, these medical physicians use topical sulfur as their primary anti-rosacea treatment(Drs. Blom and Hornmark).In a double-blind clinical study of 40 rosacea patients, these physicians found that rosacea-related papules and pustules responded much better to topical 10 percent sulfur than to oral antibiotics. More specifically, they found that with four weeks of topical sulfur treatment, the average number of papules and pustules dropped significantly (from 213 pimples before treatment to 17 pimples after treatment), that this clearing was much better than that attained by treatment with oral tetracycline. In a separate series of clinical studies, similar results were found by Dr. Strauss and colleagues.

Ocular Rosacea

Ocular rosacea is defined as an inflammatory eye condition often associated with rosacea. Ocualr rosacea can casue a persistent burning or gritty feeling in the eyes. Ocualr rosacea may also manifest itself as inflamed and swollen eyelids with small inflamed bumps compounded by a bloodshot appearance to the eyes.

The most frequent signs of ocular rosacea are chronically inflamed margins of the eyelids with scales and crusts similar in appearance to seborrheic dermatitis. Pain and lsensitivity to light may also be present.

50 to 60% of rosacea sufferers report symptoms of ocular rosacea.

New Insights Into Rosacea Causes

It has been said that rosacea is more than just a red face. In fact it is a complex system of action and reaction. Rosacea partially results from an overly acidic body and skin. The pH (potential of hydrogen) as you remember from your high school general science or chemistry class, ranges from 0 to 14 with 7 being neutral. As you rethink your past history, you will notice that "all" the rosacea triggers come from "acidic items" regardless of whether they are foods, drinks, stress, or merely out of breath. We all know that if we hold our breath for 30 seconds or 60 seconds, we will all notice that our face turns pink or red. We all know, but hardly think that the cause is a build up of carbon dioxide which is an "acidic" gas and we have a shortage of oxygen. Very similarly, when we exercise for a short period, we have a build up of "lactic acid", which is a body waste, which is obviously acidic. Likewise, those with acne need to be very concerned about the build up of acids in our blood stream due to the foods and beverages that we consume. We all know of our triggers such as alcohol, coffee, various medications, etc. which all have a pH below 7.0 or are termed acidic. Our objective therefore should be to balance, buffer or neutralize the acids with alkaline.

Acidity is measured as a pH of 1 to 7. Alkalinity is 7 to 14.The numbers refer to how many hydrogen atoms are present compared to an ideal or standard solution. Normally, blood is slightly alkaline, at 7.35 to 7.45; urine pH is the best and easiest way to check on the proper foods and drinks being eaten. Try to keep the pH in the 6.8 to 7.00 range for optimal functioning of the body and brain. If we are excessively alkaline, we don't have the mental and physical 'go' so we need our 'energy' brain and muscle foods and drinks during the day and very alkaline foods at night to calm the body and brain (parasympathetic system).

This scale is logarithmic; meaning that each number is ten times stronger than the preceding number. For example, a pH of 2 is ten times more acidic than a pH of 3 and one hundred times more acidic than a pH of 4.

Water is alkaline with a pH of about 7.3, and likewise more alkaline foods such as more "fresh vegetables" and fruits are needed which are alkaline (higher pH than 7.0). Acidic foods and drinks are the problem with a pH of below 7.0 such as coffee at 2.2. To improve your total body and skin condition, eat and drink 90% of the alkaline foods with 10% meats while avoiding breads, pastas, sugars, desserts, etc.

The body has several different ways to ensure that the pH balance stays in the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45. These are referred to as buffer systems. Through normal day-to-day activity in the body, acids are formed as waste products that need to be neutralized, alkalized, or buffered and eliminated. Some of the acids are released with CO2 from exhaling; others are excreted via the kidneys. With acidic foods and drinks, there is always more carbon dioxide (acidic) while alkaline foods produce much more oxygen (think of your high school classes of the tree, grass, and plants giving off oxygen). These systems work together in the healthy human body to keep the pH level within normal ranges. Sometimes with extreme intake of acidic foods and drinks, the normal system cannot compensate and the body becomes even more stressed resulting in more stress hormones, which are also acidic in nature causing more of a blush/flush. Likewise, simple illnesses such as influenza, minor surgery, or emotional and mental stress continue to lower the pH of the body and with more resulting skin blushing and flushing. Likewise, almost all medications are acidic except anti-acid medications such as Zantac, Milk of Magnesium, etc.
The adrenal cortex secretes cortisol, a natural body hormone of about 10 mg of cortisol daily, with peak cortisol levels occurring early in the morning and therefore the acne flushing and papules will look best in early mornings after this natural anti-inflammatory drug. The hormone that will report back to the original brain centers together with other body organs to tell it to stop the whole cycle. But since cortisol is a potent hormone, the prolonged secretion of it will lead to health problems such as the break down of cardiovascular system, digestive system, musculoskeletal system with resulting osteoporosis and arthritis - rheumatism, and the immune system. Also when the organism does not have a chance for recovery, it will lead to both catecholamine and cortisol depletion. The whole idea is "not to keep" the body in a 'fight or flight' system with any stress, stimulation or food/drinks.

Likewise more alkaline foods such as vegetables and fruits, are needed to offset the lactic acid of even mild body use at the office (and even more in strenuous labor jobs), carbon dioxide, adrenaline stress hormones, etc. Or, to keep the "rosacea bank account" balanced, the rosacea sufferer may simply try to minimize the acid foods, drinks, and exercise.

The biggest offenders always seem to be alcohol, coffee, pastries, donuts, pizza, etc. and most of these are avoided easily. However, understanding alcohol is slightly more difficult. Beer has an average pH between 2.0 to 2.5 while wines are around 3.0, while whiskey, gin, and vodka are 'most interesting' with a pH of about 4.0 straight from the bottle. So if one wants to "stay sober and really drink to his or her health," they should drink small portions of gin, vodka or whisky and optionally mix the alcoholic beverage with "water or fruit juice", which are alkaline or neutral. Do not forget that party foods are very acidic and cause fat to accumulate on the body. Having more alkaline foods and drinks presents a very easy way to lose weight without trying and at the dame time, reducing cellulite and bags under the eyes.

The accumulation of acids has a different name depending on the location where it is noticed. When we intake acidic or party foods and drinks, we flush and call it rosacea on our face. With more accumulation and less exercise to burn the acids, the acids accumulate on the stomach or backside (buns) and we call it body fat or maybe fat and cellulite and purchase bigger clothes over the years. When acids accumulate on the teeth, we call it tooth plaque which breaks down the tooth enamel resulting in a tooth cavity. When acids build up in the arteries, we again call it artery plaque or cholesterol which can lead to artery blockages and heart attacks. All these words have a common meaning of "Metabolic Acidosis".

Certainly acid or plaque/cholesterol accumulation makes for it more difficult for the blood to move through the facial area resulting in more rosacea symptoms, thus the "Sobye Facial Massage" and body stretching and a small amount of exercise are needed for improved circulation due to the restricted vessels and arteries, as you will read on the Lifestyle Changes page.

An accumulation of food or body acids affects the bones very much as our bones are the biggest sources of alkaline minerals, which are antioxidants or the opposite of acids. These alkaline minerals or antioxidants (such as iron, zinc, copper, iodine, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, fluoride, sodium chloride and potassium chloride) are vital to bones, organs, brain and skin tissue life. When the pH balance becomes more "acidic" the minerals shift by the process of osmosis from the bones to the kidney and gall bladder creating very uncomfortable kidney stones, gall stones or "bone stones".

Rosacea-Ltd has prepared a rosacea diet page to help you select the most alkaline foods and avoid the most acidic ones. You don't have to understand the math, simply drink more alkaline water and foods from the green side of our rosacea diet.

Red man syndrome, a reaction to the highly acidic antibiotic vancomycin, is further evidence that rosacea is caused by an acidic body.

Rosacea-Ltd has a team of Rosacea Researchers with 60 years of collective research, led by a Johns Hopkins MD, have confirmed that the cause or etiology of rosacea is an immune system disorder. The "good rosacea news" is that your "Rosacea Flushing Bank Account" can be "balanced" to prevent an overdraw or going into the "red" or "rosacea flushing". Most medical researchers are baffled as to the cause or etiology of rosacea and it remains in contention among them currently. The cause of rosacea has been a hotly debated topic with the result One must wonder if they don't understand the cause, then how can they effectively treat rosacea? Okay, just continue doing the same thing with marginal or no results is not a good answer. As Dr. Albert Einstein stated, "The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same thinking that created them".

Rosacea Management and Treatment

Rosacea-Ltd is a different concept in rosacea management and treatment. It is composed of natural mineral ingredients, which improves the appearance of damaged and irritated skin often related to rosacea and/or acne. Rosacea-Ltd promotes healthy looking skin and progressive healthy lifestyles related to the improvement of the overall appearence of one's skin. Initial studies of rosacea test subjects indicate and 98 percent of previous Rosacea-Ltd users confirm that Rosacea-Ltd is extremely effective in soothing and conditioning the skin to lessen the appearance of facial redness (erythema) and dilated facial vessels (telangectasia), as well as rosacea-related papules (raised red lesion without pus) and acne pimples (with pus due to bacteria). Within weeks, you will notice positive changes in the condition of your skin.
Our team of Rosacea Researchers with 60 years of collective research, led by a Johns Hopkins MD, have confirmed that the cause or etiology of rosacea is an immune system disorder. The "good rosacea news" is that your "Rosacea Flushing Bank Account" can be "balanced" to prevent an overdraw or going into the "red" or "rosacea flushing". Most medical researchers are baffled as to the cause or etiology of rosacea and it remains in contention among them currently. The cause of rosacea has been a hotly debated topic with the result One must wonder if they don't understand the cause, then how can they effectively treat rosacea?
It is often the cumulative effect of the treatments you've been using to treat your rosacea that may actually be the aggravating source or factor of your current rosacea treatment. Improving the skin involves a complete change in your thought processes and your approach to treating and and controlling your rosacea.
Many rosacea sufferers have been frustrated for many years with unsuccessful or marginal results from many rosacea skin care products. Antibiotics, retnoids, Accutane, and steroids have been a mainstay of rosacea treatment for years. Rosacea sufferers have noticed that these prescribed treatments and various rosacea laser treatments have not worked well as a rosacea skin care product; also these past treatments for rosacea may have caused additional damage to the already sensitive rosacea skin. Oral and topical antibiotic rosacea treatments for adult acne rosacea can work for up to several months before the bacteria become immune to the antibiotic, causing the antibiotic to lose its effectiveness. Oral antibiotic treatment actually cause more rosacea red symptoms.
Overall 98% of Rosacea-Ltd III users confirm that they have found an excellent improvement in two to three weeks in the appearance of their rosacea skin condition after stopping their previous rosacea treatment that have been too aggressive for the overly sensitive rosacea skin. More importantly take a photo now of yourself so you can compare your rosacea skin in 2-3 months by taking an after "Rosacea-Ltd III" photo.Former rosacea sufferers see a calming of their facial rosacea redness, dilated facial rosacea vessels and rosacea papules (a small, red solid rosacea skin lesion without pus that is not acne) as well as acne and seborrheic dermatitis after stopping their previous rosacea skin treatment.

The Progression of Rosacea

Rosacea Progression: The redness begans and gradually becomes more more persistant with spidery blood vessels becomes progressively prominent on the nose and cheeks. Trauma from abrasives and peeling agents (Retin - A and all other retnoids, steroids and exfoliants including anti-aging products) easily cause more long-lasting redness. Inflammatory papules (without pus) and pustules (with pus) develop and continue to worsen. Facial pores often become larger and prominent. If there has been much sun exposure damage over the years, the skin becomes more leathery skin becomes more wrinkled as it is not elastic or as soft to bend. Eventually, the sides of the neck as well as the area down to the center of the chest began to redden and later the ears and area behind the ears also become more red. The facial skin contours gradually become coarse and thickened. A small number of rosacea patients realize they have a more serious presentation of the disease of rosacea with the condition of nose tissue hyperplasia beginning. Hypergenesis is a general term referring to the proliferation of cells within an organ or tissue beyond that which is ordinarily seen as is indicative of cancer cells expansion. "Rosacea is more than a red face" as rosacea sufferers often have allergy and sinus problems, fibromyalgia, digestive system disorders, and in later years osteoporosis and arthritis - rheumatism presents itself along with a lowering of the total immune system. As you read our new rosacea research facts page, you will find that rosacea is just one symptom of a "metabolic acidosis" disorder.