Rosacea Ain't Rosy

Cheeks too rosy? Rosacea is often a sign of allergies. What causes this skin condition?

By Richard Firshein published January 1, 1998 - last reviewed on June 9, 2016

Last year I developed rosacea, a skin condition that causes a
rash all over my face. My doctor prescribed a topical antibiotic but it
didn't help. Now I'm on oral antibiotics. What else can I do?

Rosacea is an acne-like condition that spreads across the nose
and cheeks and sometimes up the brow. Surprisingly, one of the bacteria
implicated in rosacea is the infamous H. pylori, which causes stomach
ulcers. However, not all rosacea is caused by bacteria alone. Some cases are due to a mix of fungus
and bacteria, and the patient may need antifungal creams as well as
antibiotics. Also, allergies play a significant role.
You might want to get checked for food allergies, especially to wheat and
milk, as well as sensitivities to soaps and detergents. I've also seen
rosacea flare up in patients with seasonal allergies to pollens or molds.
Addressing allergies is an often-overlooked key to maintaining clear
skin.