Rosacea may be exacerbated by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, although further study is required to fully understand the connection between these two disorders.
Rosacea is a long-term inflammatory skin disease that makes the face red, flushed, and rashy. The cheeks and nose are usually where the redness first occurs, although it can also progress to the forehead, chin, and other places.
One frequent kind of bacteria that can infect the stomach is H. pylori. Usually, oral contact with vomit, saliva, or faeces distributes it from person to person.
Stomach irritation that lasts a long time can be brought on by an H. pylori infection. Gastritis and ulcers can result from infection, even though the majority of people don't show any symptoms.
A correlation between H. pylori and rosacea has been discovered by researchers. According to certain data, H. pylori infection may contribute to the onset of rosacea.
This article examines the findings, causes, and therapies related to the association between H. pylori and rosacea.
Does H. pylori lead to rosacea?
According to several studies, H. pylori may contribute to the onset of rosacea.
A 2018 analysis proposes that tissue damage, elevated nitrous oxide concentrations, and hereditary factors—all of which can cause skin inflammation—are how H. pylori may contribute to rosacea.
Evidence from another review indicated that individuals with rosacea have a higher prevalence of H. pylori than the general population.
The scientists hypothesised that H. pylori might be harmful in the rosacea development process. They nevertheless concluded that there was insufficient data to prove a cause-and-effect connection.
There is insufficient data to suggest any connection between the two conditions, and some research has only discovered a modest association between them.
To fully understand the connection between H. pylori and rosacea, more research is required.
Causes of rosacea
The reason for rosacea remains a mystery to researchers.Among the potential reasons are:
- genetics
- stresses in the environment, like UV light
- a skin mite called Demodex
- a protein known as cathelicidin that guards against infections on the skin
- H. pylori infection
Although they are not the direct cause, some triggers can make rosacea flare up. Some examples of triggers are:
- sunlight exposure
- hot or cold weather
- hot beverages
- stress
- exercise
- caffeine
- alcohol
- spicy foods
What are the symptoms of H. pylori infection?
The majority of patients with H. pylori infection don't show any symptoms.
In rare instances, the infection may cause people to get gastritis or ulcers. Among the symptoms could be:
- discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen
- nausea
- indigestion
- loss of appetite
- dark stools
- vomiting
- bloating
Iron deficiency anaemia, stomach cancer, and immune thrombocytopenia, a bleeding disease, are further potential concerns.
Nevertheless, most patients with H. pylori infection don't show any symptoms, and the virus is generally curable.
Can treating H. pylori help rosacea?
Treatment for an H. pylori infection may benefit rosacea, according to some data.
Researchers looked at 60 individuals with rosacea and H. pylori infections in a 2023 study. They discovered that treating the H. pylori infection was superior to conventional rosacea treatments, as evidenced by the fact that 63.9% of patients had remission following infection therapy.
Evidence supporting the superiority of anti-H. pylori therapy over standard therapy for rosacea was also discovered in a 2018 review.
However, the study's findings are conflicting, requiring additional investigation.
The American Family Physician recommendations state that treating H. pylori is not the accepted standard of care for rosacea at this time. However, if initial medication is ineffective for treating rosacea, doctors may resort to using antibiotics.
How else is rosacea treated?
Although there isn't a cure for rosacea at the moment, therapy can help control symptoms.
Rosacea is usually treated with topical medicines in addition to self-care.
Self-treatment for rosacea may consist of:
- keeping away from triggers, such as applying sunscreen when in the sun
- utilising cleansers and moisturisers to maintain healthy skin
- applying makeup to conceal red skin areas
- keeping the eyelids clean
Initially, topical medicines are usually prescribed by medical practitioners. They may consist of gels or creams like:
- metronidazole
- ivermectin
- azelaic acid
In cases where initial medication is ineffective for more severe rosacea, physicians may recommend oral antibiotics. Choices consist of:
- tetracycline
- erythromycin
- oxytetracycline
- doxycycline
Additional therapies that can lessen flushing and redness include laser and strong pulsed light therapy, as well as oral drugs such as beta-blockers and clonidine.
Some rosacea sufferers may notice thicker skin on their noses. Surgery may be necessary to remove extra tissue in extreme situations.
You could require eye drops or ointment as treatment if your rosacea is affecting your eyes.
Takeaway
Studies indicate a possible correlation between H. pylori and rosacea.
Infection with H. pylori is frequent in rosacea patients. Treatment for the infection may result in rosacea remission, according to certain studies.
Yet, there is insufficient data to conclude that H. pylori is the cause of rosacea. Further investigation on the connection between these disorders is required.
Most of the time, topical medicines and self-care can help control rosacea. Consult your physician if you think you may have an H. pylori infection or rosacea.
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