Is Rosacea From Mites? Honest Answers For The Curious Mind
Before we answer the question on whether or not Rosacea comes from mites, let’s talk first about this skin condition. Rosacea causes redness, flushing, and lumps around the forehead, cheeks, chin, and the nose.
It affects more women than men and it typically strikes after age 30. It will flare in response to specific causes, like emotional strain or sunlight exposure.
Rosacea flare-ups can be helped by antibiotics. While doctors once believed that the calming effect of the drugs is responsible for clearing inflammation, anti-inflammation drugs like corticosteroids are NOT effective at all. Also, the doctors were also clueless on what causes this condition.
Recently, however, a biologist by the name of Kevin Kavanagh of National University of Ireland has discovered that Rosacea is caused by bacteria found in Demodex mites. So yes, there is reason to believe that mites cause Rosacea.
Demodex mites actually live on the skin of twenty to eight percent of adults. Obviously, the creatures are not visible to the naked eye. Until lately, it had been believed that they were harmlessly feeding off oily sebum. Sebum is that oily substance that coats the skin.
Dr. Kavanagh’s research shows that people who are suffering from rosacea have more than ten times as many Demodex mites on their skin as individuals who don’t have it.
Kavanagh says skin changes brought about by sickness, anxiety, or by age could make it possible for the population of Demodex mites to swell. When the mites die, they release bacteria to your skin.
The bacteria then activate an immune reaction that creates inflammation as well as redness of your skin. It appears that the mites themselves are not dangerous, it’s the bacteria in them that is dangerous. To put it in very simple terms, the Demodex mites are like buses that have large amounts of bacteria. But it is not the bus that is the issue; it is the bacteria that get down from bus that is the issue.
At the moment, however, the notion that mites may cause some instances of rosacea continues to be only a theory. But even then, specialists who weren’t associated with the Demodex research say there is persuasive evidence to back up it.
According to Michele Green, dermatologist at the Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City the theory makes “perfect sense to her”, adding that the theory matches the features of Rosacea, for example, Rosacea victims usually notice their skin getting worse after exposure to humidity and heat, which are conditions which help mites survive.
Pharmaceutical companies also believe there is something to the notion. Galderma, the organization that makes Metrogel.
A topical antibiotic frequently prescribed to deal with rosacea, is apparently examining a product which specifically targets Demodex mites.
Other experts concur the evidence is convincing, but say it is not too late to tell whether the mites really are a result of rosacea or a cause (it’s the perennial egg and chicken question). Thankfully, however, most other scientists think Kavanagh’s research isn’t fringe science. It’s solid scientific research that needs to be explored further.
If you’re suffering from Rosacea, you might want to check if there are topical treatment that are specifically targeting Demodex mites. Consult with your doctor if it would be a good idea to have these products are part of your healing regimen.
If not, just go with your regular medicines. However, knowing what we know now, it might be a few years from now before a mainstream product is released for people who are suffering from the different instances of Rosacea.
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