What Causes Rosacea?

Rosacea is a complex disease, and the exact mechanisms that cause rosacea are not yet understood. Flushing is a major component of rosacea, and as such many experts believe that there is a vascular cause to the disease. There are several theories of the cause of rosacea, but nothing so far has been conclusive:

• H.pylori bacteria may be a factor in causing rosacea.
• Demodex mites found in hair follicles may be a factor, as there seems to be a positive correlation between demodex and rosacea patients.
• Certain medications have an aggravating effect on rosacea. They are not suspected of directly causing the condition however.

On the other hand, we know more about the factors that aggravate existing rosacea. Although there are individual differences, the following are commonly factors that aggravate a worsening of rosacea symptoms:

• Sun exposure
• Alcohol consumption
• Hot or spicy foods
• Exposure to extreme heat, cold, or sudden changes in temperature
• Vasodilating drugs