Rosacea Ain't Rosy

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.