Some of you may have seen reports of the slightly strange findings uncovered in recent Rosacea studies. For those that haven’t – prepare to be bemused!
As with many skin allergies, doctors are still in the dark as to what exactly causes Rosacea in the 3% of the world’s sufferers.
This month however, Irish scientists grew one step closer by identifying a link between Rosacea and skin mites.
The National University of Ireland studied the Demodex Folliculorum mites that live harmlessly on all skin, and the bacteria that live inside their digestive tracts.
They found that not only were there higher levels of mites in the skin of Rosacea sufferers, but that the bacterium Bacillus Oleronius appeared to trigger an immune reaction in Rosacea sufferers, causing inflammation.
We hear from a lot of women with Rosacea who say the treatments they’re prescribed, including antibiotics, only work temporarily before their symptoms re-occur.
Interestingly, these findings suggest that this could be because antibiotics kill the existing bacteria, but not the mite itself which can go on reproducing it.
At the moment it’s still a bit of a chicken and egg situation – as it’s not clear whether higher levels of mites cause Rosacea, or whether higher levels are present because of Rosacea.
However, it’s certainly the most significant research I’ve seen for a while, and perhaps means future treatments will be developed to treat the cause of Rosacea, rather than just the symptoms.
In the meantime, you can read my tips on managing Rosacea here.
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