[Rosacea as a multisystemic disease]

Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder, affecting the face and chest, and develops mostly in the 3rd to 6th decades of life. It is characterized by erythema, telangiectasias, and recurrent flushings. During the time of this chronic inflammation, skin typically develops papules, pustules, and swelling. Ocular involvement occurs in 3 to 58% of patients with skin changes. Common ocular signs include blepharoconjunctivitis, meibomitis, and dry eyes. Rosacea keratitis, when present, however, has a poor prognosis and may lead to blindness. Among skin diseases, Helicobacter pylori infection has been often related with rosacea. A higher prevalence of indigestion and Helicobacter pylori infection in rosacea patients than in healthy controls has been reported. However, no causal relation has been identified. On the other hand, oral treatment with metronidazole is beneficial in all of three mentioned manifestations of rosacea (skin, eye, indigestion). There is obvious need for multidisciplinary approach, and investigation to rosacea.