What Causes Rosacea?

The owner and medical director of Village Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in The Villages (R), FL, Dr. Thi Thien Nguyen Tran has been practicing medicine for more than two decades. During this time, Dr. Thi Thien Nguyen Tran has become familiar with a range of dermatological conditions, including rosacea.

Rosacea creates redness and visible blood vessels in the face that are often mistaken for acne or other skin problems. It can affect anyone and may have flare-ups with symptoms entirely disappearing for a while after a few weeks or months. Researchers have found the causes of the condition resulting from environmental and hereditary factors.

The condition is also more common in women. Those with light skin also have a higher risk of developing rosacea, as do people over the age of 30 who smoke. Once the condition develops, it cannot be cured, only managed. However, certain dietary factors are linked to rosacea flare-ups. Hot foods and beverages, for instance, worsen or cause rosacea symptoms. The same is true of dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, seasonings, and spices with capsaicin.