Problems with digestion can be linked to a number of conditions and are frequently caused by microorganisms. Psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety can have gastrointestinal symptoms. GI problems with depression and anxiety are often linked to over-stimulation of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis.
Digestive problems have been linked to rosacea as early as 1967. In recent years, studies have suggested that a bacterium called Heliobacter pylori could be a marker of digestive problems in patients with rosacea. While some studies report a positive relationship between H. pylori and rosacea, other studies have found no significant difference between the number of H. pylori in the digestive tracts of control subjects and rosacea patients.
H. pylori is a gram negative bacterium that has been thought to cause an increase in the synthesis of reactive oxygen species in the gut such as nitric oxide (NO). NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines play a role in the inflammatory processes underlying the rosacea pathology. However, no increased rate of NO synthesis could be linked to H. pylori.
Studies have also looked at a possible link between H. pylori and other skin conditions, such as psoriasis, and vascular disorders. However, for most of these conditions, eradication of H. pylori failed to show any beneficial effect. For most of these studies, a variety of antibiotics was used to eradicate H. pylori.
My digestive problems started around the same time I was diagnosed with rosacea. I did not think anything about it and thought that my digestive problems were the result of too much stress, anxiety or an allergic reaction to a particular food ingredient. I did find some foods that I reacted to (peanuts, peas, bananas), but I never knew if my digestive problems were really based on any allergies. However, my digestive problems continued and became progressively worse over time. The cramping and other GI problems became so bad, that I saw several doctors for it, including a liver specialist.
The doctors could not find a particular cause of my digestive problems, however when I went to see a doctor with heavy cramping and a high fever, he thought it could be diverticulitis. My diverticulitis was treated with a heavy dose of antibiotics and the cramps and fever disappeared. However, the symptoms of diverticulitis returned periodically and I started to look at alternative treatments.
During my search for alternative treatments of my digestive problems, I came across several scientific papers about a possible association between H. pylori and rosacea and the eradication H. pylori with extracts of mastic gum. Mastic gum is the resinous gum of the Pistacia lentiscus tree and a few studies suggested it was effective against H. pylori. So I took mastic gum for a few months and my diverticulitis completely disappeared (at least the symptoms).
While mastic gum does seem to work well for GI problems, I am not sure whether mastic gum has any effect on the redness, inflammation and swelling of the face associated with rosacea. The scientific community is still not sure whether mastic gum can eradicate H. pylori, but based on personal experiences it does seem to help with digestive issues.
Do you think your rosacea is associated with gastrointestinal problems? Let us know..
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References
Marks, R., Beard, R.J., Clark, M.L., Kwok, M. and Robertson, W.B. (1967) Gastrointestinal observations in rosacea. Lancet 1: 739-43.
Sharma, V.K., Lynn, A., Kaminski, M., Vasudeva, R. and Howden, C.W. (1998) A study of the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and other markers of upper gastrointestinal tract disease in patients with rosacea. Am J Gastroenterol 93: 220-2.
Utaş, S., Ozbakir, O., Turasan, A. and Utaş, C. (1999) Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment reduces the severity of rosacea. J Am Acad Dermatol 40: 433-5.
Herr, H. and You, C.H. (2000) Relationship between Helicobacter pylori and rosacea: it may be a myth. J Korean Med Sci 15: 551-4.
Gürer, M.A., Erel, A., Erbaş, D., Cağlar, K. and Atahan, C. (2002) The seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori and nitric oxide in acne rosacea. Int J Dermatol 41: 768-70.
Zandi, S., Shamsadini, S., Zahedi, M.J. and Hyatbaksh, M. (2003) Helicobacter pylori and rosacea. East Mediterr Health J 9: 167-71.
Bebb, J.R., Bailey-Flitter, N., Ala’Aldeen, D. and Atherton, J.C. (2003) Mastic gum has no effect on Helicobacter pylori load in vivo. J Antimicrob Chemother 52: 522-3.
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Comments (9)
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Steve Wright
I have been taking digestive enzymes for 5 years after I read an article on possible links between Rosacea and poor digestion. Before I took the enzymes my Rosacea would flare up several times a month with lots of red patches around my nose and forehead. After taking the enzymes I flare up maybe 2 or 3 times a year, mostly when I forget to take them for several days.
Steve
Burst diverticula led to full ab surgery. 1 week of antibiotics. Was red in nose and forehead going into hospital on way out skin is clear. Is it the lack of toxin from diverticulitis or the anti biotics? I think there is a link between diverticulitis and rosacea
Abercrombiegal
My family, including myself, have always had digestive issues one way or another. Due to this I tend to keep a fairly healthy diet including fresh fruit, veggies, grains, etc…
I have been taking 2 pills per day also from the Dr Max Powers 15 Day Cleanse. One when I wake up and 1 pill about 8 hours later in the afternoon.
My bowel functions have regulated and become easier. I do not feel any nausea upon taking these pills on an empty stomach and the pills do not have a strong taste or after-taste. I have also felt a slight change in energy level. I am usually a bit fatigued and sore due to anemia, but lately I have been feeling less fatigue and a bit more energy. So far there is nothing I do not like about this product and I intend on keeping up with my daily routine.
Intermittent Fasting
I have digestive problem for 17 years but never experienced rosacea. I finally overcome my problem by fasting and intermittent fasting.
Tom
Antibiotics are not a cure for digestion problems. They actually cause the problem. Change the diet and get allergy test to see what you cannot tolerate. Probiotic can get your digestion on the right tract. Digestion problems are due to diet and a yeast infection called candida. The test is easy to see if you have it. This can effect roseacea. Antibiotics kill good bacteria and mess up your digestion. Avoid antibiotic.
Caromay
Very interested to read this theory – I had classical acne as a teenager, for which I was prescribed antibiotics. These I took for 4+ years. During this time had occasional bouts of IBS which continued along with various miscellanious colds which wouldn’t go away. Had food intolerance test, now I avoid foods I don’t have IBS problems at all. Now suffering with Rosacea, I know what sets off redness/tingling flare ups, but not the papuless and pustules. Am again on long term antibiotics which are keeping it under control..for now.
baby acne
I am unaware about the fact that rosacea can cause digestive problems.
Chris
Hello, I think Rosacea is caused by bacterial infection in the small intestine and/or possibly the colon. There was recently a study treating Rosacea succcesfully with Rifaxmin, an antibiotic which cannot be absorbed from the GI. Chris
elkaybee
Rosacea is one of several skin conditions thought to be caused by celiac/gluten sensitivity. Sometimes celiac is misdiagnosed as IBS. See if you have flare-ups upon eating products containing wheat.
Lin