Rosacea: Causes

Pathogenesis (disease development)

The exact pathomechanism of rosacea is unclear.

Etiology (Causes)

The following factors may be associated with rosacea:

Biographic causes

• Genetic exposure to parents, grandparents.
  • Genes/SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphism; Engl:)
    • SNP: rs763035 in an intergenic region.
      • Allele constellation: CT (1.2-fold).
      • Allele constellation: TT (1.4-fold)
• Skin type – fair-skinned people (skin type I-II).

Behavioral causes (triggers)

• Diet
  • Hot drinks
  • Strongly spiced food/spices (e.g. chili).
• Pleasure food consumption
  • Alcohol
• Physical activity
  • Sports
• Psycho-social situation
  • Psychological and physical stress
• Body care
  • Use of skin irritants such as soap, peeling agents, and harsh or alcohol-based face creams (cosmetics).
  • Hot baths / heat during saunas
• Sunbathing

Causes related to disease

• Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

Environmental pollution – intoxications (poisonings).

• Temperature changes such as hot / cold weather.
• UV radiation/intense solar radiation