Chronic skin disease of the face in middle-aged or older persons, where the nose and cheeks are abnormally red and may be covered by pimples. It is more common in women, but it appears in more severe form in men. Causes unknown, but risk factors may be alcoholism, B vitamin deficiencies, gastrointestinal disorders, local infection, menopausal flushing.
Diet:
Avoid foods with transfatty acids, such as milk products, margarine, shortening, hydrogenated oils, fried or processed foods high in iodized salt. Also avoid alcohol, coffee, hot drinks and spicy foods. Eliminate all refined sugars from the diet.
Nutrients:
Multiple vitamin and mineral supplements, extra riboflavin or B2, digestive enzymes.