Rosacea is a common, chronic skin disease that occurs primarily on the face. It is characterized by redness, nodules and pustules on the face, which can become more severe over time. Rosacea usually develops after the age of 30. In Germany, around 2-5% of all adults are affected.
Although rosacea can affect both sexes, it is more common and severe in women. Studies have shown that women between the ages of 30 and 50 are most likely to develop rosacea. Symptoms in women can be more severe and can cause a significant impact on quality of life.
symptoms of rosacea
Rosacea particularly affects the face, especially the cheeks and nose. These areas in particular are often red. This redness usually occurs in bouts at the beginning, until it eventually manifests itself. As the disease progresses, the vessels of the facial skin can be seen as a fine network on the affected areas of skin. The dilated vessels become visible because they are widened by rosacea. The inflammation of the skin causes nodules (papules) and pustules that are reminiscent of acne. In men in particular, a nodular thickening of the nose can occur, which is also colloquially known as a "bulbous nose".
Causes of Rosacea
The exact causes of rosacea are not fully understood, but it is thought that a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a role. Possible environmental factors that may contribute to the onset of rosacea include:
- sunlight
- Hot drinks
- Hot baths
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Certain foods such as coffee, alcohol and spices
Even though purulent pustules can develop with rosacea, it is not a form of acne. Unlike acne, the skin's sebum production is not increased in rosacea. It is also suspected that certain microorganisms such as the Demodex mite on the face and in the intestines can play a role in the development of rosacea.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Rosacea
Treatment for rosacea depends on the severity of symptoms and can range from topical medications such as corticosteroids or antibiotic creams to oral medications or light therapy. Lifestyle changes, including eating a balanced diet and reducing stress, can also help improve symptoms. Most of the time, however, rosacea cannot be cured, only improved. Regular check-ups with a dermatologist are important to monitor symptoms and adjust treatment if necessary. Overall, it is important to be active and take care of skin health when you have rosacea. Early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve symptoms and prevent serious complications from occurring.
Skin flora: Rosacea changes the skin microbiome
In addition to the known trigger factors, the role of the microbiome in the development and exacerbation of rosacea is of increasing interest. There is some evidence that the microbiome (the totality of microorganisms that live on and in our body) can play a role in the development of rosacea. A disturbed microbiome that shows an unfavorable change in the types and numbers of bacteria can impair the immune system and thus increase inflammatory reactions in the skin. Some studies have shown that people with rosacea have a different microbiome composition compared to people without the disease. For example, a connection has been observed between demodex mites and rosacea, as studies have shown that people with rosacea have a higher density of these mites on their skin. It is believed that the overpopulation of demodex mites can lead to inflammation on the skin, which is a symptom of rosacea.
Causes of rosacea: The intestine can also play a role
In addition to the influence of the skin microbiome, studies have shown that the development of rosacea is also related to the gut. A disturbed gut, especially a malfunction in the intestinal flora, can impair the immune system and thus lead to inflammation in the skin. Some studies have shown that people with rosacea have a disturbed intestinal barrier, which suggests that a disturbed gut may play a role in the development of rosacea.
Tip: Special foods to watch out for when suffering from rosacea
There is also evidence that diet may play a role in the development and worsening of rosacea. Some studies have shown that certain foods and drinks can trigger or worsen rosacea symptoms.
These include, for example:
- Dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, sour cream
- Special fruits: citrus fruits, bananas, red plums, figs
- Spicy food
- Foods rich in histamine
- Drinks: Alcohol, especially red wine, beer, bourbon, gin, vodka and champagne.
- Hot drinks such as coffee.
It's important to note that the effects of diet on rosacea can vary from person to person. Some people can eat certain foods without problems, while others are more sensitive to certain foods.
New solution: A healthy intestinal flora
A balanced diet rich in fiber-rich foods can help support the gut microbiome and maintain a balanced gut flora. There are also some studies that show that certain probiotic supplements can improve the symptoms of rosacea. New approaches to treating rosacea therefore increasingly include probiotics and prebiotics, as these have been shown to be beneficial for the gut flora and can bring it back into balance.
In this context, we have developed our Dermabacs - a synbiotic that can also specifically target rosacea. Would you like to find out more? Then click here and take a closer look at the Dermabacs!
Sources
- Gallo, RL, Granstein, RD, Kang, S., Mannis, MJ, Steinhoff, M., Tan, J., & Thiboutot, D. (2018). Standard classification and pathophysiology of rosacea: The 2017 update by the National Rosacea Society Expert Committee. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology , 78 (1), 148–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2017.08.037
- Kim, H.S. (2020). Microbiota in rosacea. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 21(S1), 25-35. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-020-00546-8
- Rebora A. Papulopustular rosacea. In: Williams H, Bigby M, Diepgen T, Herxheimer A, Naldi L, Rzany B (Ed). Evidence-based dermatology. London: Blackwell Publishing; 2008. pp. 105-110.
- Van Zuuren, E.J. (2017). Rosacea. New England Journal of Medicine, 377(18), 1754-1764. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmcp1506630
- https://www.rosacea.org/patients/rosacea-triggers/factors-that-may-trigger-rosacea-flare-ups
