Rosacea and the gastrointestinal system

Rosacea is a common skin condition characterised by erythema, papules and pustules. Increasing evidence suggests that the gut-skin axis is implicated in the pathogenesis of rosacea. Sufficient evidence exists to support the notion that the gut microbiome plays a role in the inflammatory cutaneous response and there appear to be associations with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and Helicobacter pylori infection. A dysbiotic microbiome and an innate immune system dysregulation contribute to the pathophysiology of rosacea, and further exploration of their roles is warranted. Greater understanding of this condition and the effect of the gut-skin axis could allow for more efficacious and timely treatment. This article reviews our current findings and understanding in the skin and gut relationship in rosacea.