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Alternative medicine

By Mayo Clinic staff

Many alternative therapies — including colloidal silver, emu oil, laurelwood, oregano oil and vitamin K — have been touted as possible ways to treat rosacea. However, there's no conclusive evidence that any of these alternative therapies are effective.

If you're considering dietary supplements or other alternative therapies to treat rosacea, consult your doctor. He or she can help you weigh the pros and cons of specific alternative therapies.

References
  1. Questions and answers about rosacea. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Rosacea/rosacea_ff.pdf. Accessed Sept. 11, 2008.
  2. Rosacea. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/Rosacea.htm. Accessed Sept. 11, 2008.
  3. van Zuuren EJ, et al. Systematic review of rosacea treatments. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2007;56:107.
  4. Goldstein BG, et al. Rosacea. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 11, 2008.
  5. Habif, TP. Acne, rosacea, and related disorders. In: Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby, Inc; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/104473933-3/746280137/1195/43.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01319-8..50009-1_567. Accessed Sept. 11, 2008.
  6. Colloidal silver. National Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Sept. 22, 2008.
  7. Emu oil. National Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Sept. 22, 2008.
  8. Laurelwood. National Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Sept. 22, 2008.
  9. Oregano. National Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Sept. 22, 2008.
  10. Vitamin K. National Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Sept. 22, 2008.

DS00308

Nov. 15, 2008

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