Treatment of rosacea with herbal ingredients

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Jan, 2006 by Jessica Wu

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is the essential oil steam-distilled from Melaleuca alternifolia, an Australian native plant. In recent years it has become increasingly popular as an antimicrobial agent and has also been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory properties. (24) Tea tree oil should be used with caution, however, as it has been associated with a wide variety of side effects including allergic contact dermatitis, systemic contact dermatitis, erythema, and systemic hypersensitivity reactions as well as conditions such as linear immunoglobulin A disease. (25)

Camphor Oil

Camphor is a white crystalline substance, obtained from the tree Cinnamonum camphora, but the name has been given to various odorous volatile products derived from different aromatic plants. The commercial camphor is extracted from C. camphora and Dryobalanops camphora (fam. Dipterocarpacaea). Camphor has been used historically for its calming influence in hysteria, nervousness and neuralgia, and for diarrhea, arthritis, sprains, bronchitis, and in inflammatory conditions. It is also often used to relieve symptoms of colds, chills, and for the treatment of anti-inflammatory conditions.

Recently, camphor oil has been evaluated for its efficacy in treating the demodicoses that are frequently comorbid with rosacea. (26) In a study by Morsy, marked reduction in the infestation density were noted following application of diluted camphor oil at concentrations of 20% to 25%. (27) Caution is warranted with the use of camphor oil, however, as it is a known skin irritant.

Discussion

The therapeutic value of medicinal herbs has gained increased acceptance by the medical profession. However, there are a number of variables which can influence the composition, concentration, and bioavailability of the herbal compound. Moreover, few of these ingredients have been evaluated in clinical trials. Despite these issues, many patients may benefit from the use of herbal remedies and a growing number of patients are using "natural" ingredients to treat their rosacea. Some have proven effects, many have potential benefits, and some may, in fact, aggravate rosacea. Of particular concern is the finding that patients using alternative therapies are unlikely to tell their doctor. (2) Dermatologists should be aware of what patients are using and be able to advise them, beyond what is prescribed or the procedures performed.

Disclosure

Dr. Wu is a consultant for Johnson and Johnson Consumer Products and is Founder and President of Dr. Jessica Wu Cosmeceuticals.

References

1. National Rosacea Society. 14 million Americans have rosacea and most of them don't even know it. Available at: http://www.rosacea.org. Accessed November 3, 2005.

2. Eisenberg DM, Davis RB, Ettner SL, et al. Trends in alternative medicine use in the United States, 1990-1997: results of a follow-up national survey. JAMA. 1998;280:1569-75.

3. Thornfeldt C. Cosmeceuticals containing herbs: fact, fiction, and future. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31:873-80; discussion 880.