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What Is the Root Cause of Rosacea? 6 Potential Rosacea Development Factors

Learn about 6 potential root factors that may contribute to rosacea development including mites, genetics, and an overactive immune system.

Read on

Rosacea can be a frustrating and embarrassing condition where the skin on the face flushes, looks reddened, feels irritated, or even develops small pimples and pustules. Rosacea flare-ups can take a toll on a person’s self-esteem and may affect their mood, confidence, and social lives.


So, just what is the underlying cause behind why some people develop flushed and reddened rosacea flare-ups, while some people never have issues with redness or rosacea?


The exact underlying cause behind rosacea has not been conclusively confirmed, but there are some potential root causes identified that may have to do with just how and why rosacea occurs.


Below, we will outline some of the best potential root causes of rosacea that science has identified as likely plausible factors. 


1. Faulty facial vessels

With rosacea, the small facial vessels under the skin seem to dilate more excessively than in those without rosacea. It is possible that part of the cause of rosacea is these facial vessels being defective and dilating too often or too intensely.


2. Skin mites

There are normal mites found on the facial skin called Demodex mites. And, while in most people these mites are completely unnoticeable and cause no problems, in people with rosacea these mites (or the remains of them when they die) may cause skin irritation and redness.

People with rosacea have been found to have higher numbers of these Demodex mites as compared to people who do not have rosacea suggesting that there may be a connection between the two.

Although, it is not known if the increase in mites leads to rosacea symptoms, or if rosacea symptoms tend to attract more of these mites.

Learn More: Demodex Mites & Rosacea: The Microbes Linked To Rosacea


3. Genetics

Some people may have inherited genes that make their skin more red, flushed, and prone to rosacea symptoms. If your family members also have red, flushed skin, those genetics could have been handed down to you.


4. Skin reaction to certain bacteria

Other potential rosacea causes may have to do with the skin’s reaction to certain bacteria that are commonly found on the skin. In people with rosacea who also deal with the small pimple-like blemishes, they may be having a reaction to a bacterium called bacillus oleronius.


5. H.Pylori intestinal infection

H.Pylori is an intestinal bacterium that has been linked to stomach ulcers. Some scientists have proposed a link between dealing with this bacterium in the GI tract and rosacea, also this has not been conclusively proven.

There are also many people who have H.Pylori infections that do not display rosacea symptoms and vice-versa.


6. Overactive immune system

Women who have rosacea have a higher rate of also dealing with an autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, or celiac disease.

So, there may be a potential link between having an overactive immune system and the development of rosacea. 

Also Read: 6 Rosacea Myths: Learn the Truth Behind Rosacea


The root cause of rosacea: Bottom line

We don’t quite know yet what the root cause is behind every case of rosacea. But, we do have some associations, hints, and ideas. It is also possible that the presentation of rosacea symptoms is not down to just one root cause, and it may be something that arises from a combination of things -- potentially some of the ideas presented above.


Strut Health customized rosacea formulations prescribed online

Regardless of what you think may be the underlying cause behind your rosacea, you deserve to have high-quality tailored treatment for your rosacea symptoms.


At Strut Health we carry multi-ingredient rosacea formulations that can be customized to suit your symptoms, preferences, and specific rosacea presentation. We utilize innovative and science-based active ingredients including azelaic acid, metronidazole, oxymetazoline, and ivermectin.


If you are interested in seeing if a customized rosacea formulation is a good fit for you, you can have a free online questionnaire and image-based telemedicine consultation with our U.S. licensed doctors today.


If you are a good candidate for treatment, your rosacea medication will be shipped to your front door.


Any questions during your treatment? Our team and doctors are available for free unlimited follow-ups to help guide you through your therapy.


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