Neither lack of sun protection nor stress: the two conditions that could cause rosacea

Rosacea is a fairly common facial skin condition in Spain (5-10 percent of the population) that causes visible redness, occasionally with bumps , as well as dilated blood vessels and a burning sensation. These symptoms can persist for weeks and then subside, leading to the so-called skin flare-ups.

Until now, possible causes of this skin condition included genetics, unprotected sun exposure , regular and excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and spicy substances, stress, and, in some cases, the presence of the demodé folliculorum mite. Recent studies have revealed two new possible causes .

Relationship of rosacea with two very prevalent diseases

In addition to the "traditional" causes, Dr. Miguel Sánchez Viera, director of the Institute of Integral Dermatology, talks about two other possible factors behind rosacea: intestinal dysbiosis and the bacteria " Helicobacter pylori ."

"Recently, several scientific studies related to the microbiota and the gut-skin axis have demonstrated a relationship between intestinal dysbiosis caused by SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and rosacea." Inflammatory bowel disease is increasingly common and a direct cause of many diseases.

The second condition that could be hidden behind rosacea is the presence of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori . Since more than 70 percent of the body's immune cells are located in the gut, maintaining a healthy gut microbiota is key. Inflammation in the body can also manifest itself in the form of rosacea.

Treatment for both diseases and rosacea

Treatment to combat both Helicobacter pylori and SIBO includes effective medications ( topical and oral antibiotics, neuromodulators ), as well as physical therapies such as pulsed dye laser, KTP, yellow laser, intense pulsed light, etc., which are capable of reducing this excessive and visible vascularization.

Thus, improving both conditions will also contribute to improving the appearance of rosacea. "Furthermore, treatment with probiotics containing the strains Escherichia coli nissle, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus salivarius, among others, has demonstrated improved recovery in patients with this skin condition," explains the doctor.

If you improve your lifestyle, your rosacea may improve.

Although the origin of rosacea is unknown, it could have genetic causes, an exaggerated immune system response, or everyday factors. This skin condition is not caused by poor hygiene, nor is it contagious.

As for flare-ups, Mayo Clinic experts estimate they could be caused by excessive sun and wind; drinking very hot beverages; spicy foods; alcohol ; emotional stress; and some medications that can dilate blood vessels.

For all these reasons, the recommendation is to maintain a healthy lifestyle based on the Mediterranean diet that balances the intestinal microbiota (containing fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and brown rice). Meditation to control stress and anxiety also has positive effects on rosacea. And, of course, use the most emollient sunscreen possible every day of the year.

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