Rosacea or acne rosacea is a chronic acne condition. It affects the forehead, nose, cheeks, and sometimes the chin, and it occurs mainly in people with light skin and of northwestern European descent. The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, though genetics are thought to play a role. Diet and lifestyle are key contributors as well. Recent research suggests that parasitic mites, known as demodex mites, are more abundant in people with rosacea. (Demodex mites are also thought to cause some severe cases of acne.) In severe cases, untreated rosacea may be disfiguring to the face. Many well -documented triggers have been identified, including extreme weather and temperature exposure, excessive sunlight or sunburn, alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and certain medications. Topical steroid use can also trigger an out­break. Western medicine offers a variety of palliative treatments, including antibiotics, creams, and light therapy involving broad spectrum pulsed-light therapy.

In Chinese medicine, flushing of the face has many causes, and several organ networks may be involved. The skin is governed by the lung network, so heat in the lungs will affect the quality of the skin. Too much alcohol or rich and spicy foods creates excess heat in the stomach network, which can end up on the face as rosacea. Emotion also shows itself in the face. Stress and anxiety can flare up the fire energy of the heart, which governs the spirit, causing rosacea. Our treatment for rosacea focuses on soothing and calming the spirit, clearing heat, and removing any circulation blockages through acupuncture, herbal therapy, and lifestyle and dietary changes.