By Nasrin Mani, M.D.
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes facial flushing and redness in the skin. While just about anyone can develop rosacea, it most commonly impacts fair-skinned women between the ages of 30 and 50. Celebrities such as Cameron Diaz and Sex and the City’sCynthia Nixon are two of the more famous rosacea patients.
Although rosacea typically does not result in any discomfort, it can be a source of embarrassment for those who develop the condition. Recently, researchers from the National University of Ireland have found strong evidence that may help us isolate the cause of rosacea, ultimately improving the ability to treat the condition.
According to the findings of these researchers, rosacea may be caused by bacteria living inside tiny mites, called Demodex, which live on facial skin and eat the oils, called sebum, on the face. Researchers found that rosacea patients experience higher levels of these mites than individuals without the condition. They believe rosacea is caused by the feces released onto facial skin when these mites die.
Approximately 80% of rosacea patients had immune cells in their blood that react adversely to the bacteria released by the mites. This is twice the percentage of non-rosacea patients who experience an immune reaction to these bacteria.
These findings indicate that instead of treating the bacteria that causes rosacea, it may be more beneficial to develop treatments that reduce the number of mites living on the face of rosacea patients. If this proposed treatment method achieves effective results, it can help many people get rid of a serious source of embarrassment in their daily lives.
To learn more about the rosacea treatment options available, please contact La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic today to schedule your free consultation. Dr. Mani serves patients throughout the La Jolla, California area.