acne rosacea/homeopathy?

Dill

I was just wondering if anyone has used any herbal or homeopathic (or indeed any ‘alternative’) remedies for acne-rosacea, and if they have, how effective was it? (I’m just using Metrogel at the moment.)

Dill

.. just bumping this in case anyone has any ideas?

Mojisola

I think you would need to see a homeopath - there may be underlying constitutional problems which need sorting out.

Dill

Thanks, Mojisola. I was thinking along those lines re. something underlying that might be causing it. I'll look around for a homeopath, I think.

Toothsmith

The thing is, that in medical trials, a placebo has to be given to one group of patients.

This is because the placebo effect is a well known medical phenomena.

Just giving someone a dummy pill will have a beneficial effect on up to 30% of the people taking it. The wierd thing is that placebo effect also happens to infants and animals.

'Real' medicines have to show a result above and beyond the placebo.

So - up to 30% of people who seek homeopathic remedies WILL show signs of improvement in their condition. This will perpetuate the myth that there is something to it.

In truth though, the homeopath could hand out Smarties, and it would get just the same result.

Dill

Thanks for your replies and for the information.

I wasn't seeking to spark off a debate about conventional medicine vs. alternatives. (I was just wondering if anyone had tried it before.)

I have no expectations, but am willing to give so called 'alternative' medicine a go. (If the Smarties help my condition so be it :rotfl: If not, then not to worry!)

septemberblues

Dill wrote: »

Thanks for your replies and for the information.

I wasn't seeking to spark off a debate about conventional medicine vs. alternatives. (I was just wondering if anyone had tried it before.)

I have no expectations, but am willing to give so called 'alternative' medicine a go. (If the Smarties help my condition so be it :rotfl: If not, then not to worry!)

If you have any luck do report back, I'm on 6 months of Oxytetracyline so I would be interested in what happens to you. Have you tried a Dermatologist on the NHS?

Dill

I will, September Blues:)

I have seen dermatologists in the past, for various different problems (I have had trouble with my skin all my life, since I was 10 or 11) but generally I prefer not to go down that route if I can help it.

absolutebounder

Toothsmith wrote: »

The thing is, that in medical trials, a placebo has to be given to one group of patients.

This is because the placebo effect is a well known medical phenomena.

Just giving someone a dummy pill will have a beneficial effect on up to 30% of the people taking it. The wierd thing is that placebo effect also happens to infants and animals.

'Real' medicines have to show a result above and beyond the placebo.

So - up to 30% of people who seek homeopathic remedies WILL show signs of improvement in their condition. This will perpetuate the myth that there is something to it.

In truth though, the homeopath could hand out Smarties, and it would get just the same result.

I too am not a fan of hoeopathy though if it works for the individual all well and good.
The reason the placebo works is that all of us have the most wonderful chemistry set in our bodies and the brain can stimulate the cure to most things far more safely than drugs.
What is often not mentioned is the nocebo effect where drugs are given but with a negative instruction like " I doubt they will work". Guess what. their effectiveness drops rapidly.

jeannieblue

I don't have a cure.......

But I suffer badly, but since using mineral make up - I use Elemental Beauty, cos they do a healing foundation, have found my skin has calmed beautifully (well almost), still get the odd flare up, but nothing like I used to.

There are a couple of threads on here. Sheer Cover one, a mineral make up one and one I started about Allantoin. (I've also been using comfrey rich in this Allantoin and this has helped too.)

Good luck - know the pain, hassle and embarrassment of this complaint

suki1964

Im with Jeannie - skin has really improved with looking at the make up and skin care I use.

Like jeannie - using elemental beauty foundation as its really calming and gives great coverage. Im also using castor oil/olive oil as a cleanser and Liz earle moisturiser. None of the mentioned products contain by products from the petrochemical industry or lanolin and my skin has never been so good. Its looking so well right now Ive not even needed foundation the past few weeks and theres only a slight tinge of pink to my cheeks instead of the angry red lumpiness that used to flare up at the drop of a hat