SIBO Eradication Clears Rosacea (Rifaximin/Xifaxan): are you serious ?

99 Comments over 2 pages ↓

#16746 Artist on May 8, 2008 at 9:57 AM

Thanks for sharing this study. SIBO causes fermentation in the small intestine, which can be a trigger for some rosaceans. I am very sensitive to fermented foods, and fermented food is listed as a trigger by the NRS. Cipro is also used for SIBO, and I noticed that while on a course of it for a bladder infection, my rosacea improved for about a month. I later tried a course of Rifaximin (after reading this study) with the same results. Specifically, the treatments greatly diminished the redness I tend to experience in the mornings when I first wake up for an hour or so. The fact that Rifaximin does not cross the intestines into the body means it never even gets to the skin, so the benefit may likely be due to eliminating the trigger of SIBO. Cheers! -Artist

#21075 Interested on July 4, 2008 at 11:18 AM

So are we only treating the symptoms not the cause?
Could this condition be like the canaries in the mines?

It would be cool to not suffer from it. Thanks for the comments on the journal article always important to ask.
All the best
Interested

#22023 Jen on August 12, 2008 at 1:19 AM

Interesting because my doc has been investigating the cause of my GI problems for years.

I find that adding a little flax to my cereal in the morning helps!

#24155 DP on September 23, 2008 at 7:30 AM

I saw this abstract after researching treatments for my rosacea. Coincidently, a week later I came down with diverticulitis and was treated with 2 strong antibiotics, one was cipro the other was metro something, to clear the infection in my colon. So, I waited to see what effect the antibiotics would have on my skin and I can tell you it’s a miracle. I don’t even need cover up. FYI – I would describe my rosacea before the antibiotics as as moderate.

#24294 David Pascoe on September 30, 2008 at 1:42 PM

Would be great to hear from more people that have used antibiotics that don’t cross the lining of the stomach i.e. don’t get into tissue that can directly affect the skin.

#24455 Seth on October 16, 2008 at 9:10 PM

this may be of interest. Another study supporting the involvement of bacterial overgrowth.

http://uegw08.uegf.org/scienpro/abstract_detail.php?navId=139&ss=1814

#24663 Seth on October 27, 2008 at 10:58 PM

David Pascoe asked me to add a few extra words to explain why this article is interesting, I thought I’d give a quick summary and explanation of the two SIBO/intestinal bacteria studies so far produced:

– Study 1 –

The most common way to test for bacterial overgrowth in the small-intestines is for a patient to fast and then ingest a specific carbohydrate. When the carbohydrate reaches bacteria in the intestines they will ferment it and one of the by-products will likely be hydrogen gas which can be detected in the breath. If there is overgrowth in the small-intestine there will be a premature peak of hydrogen released before the material reaches the colon (where it will be fermented regardless). However, hydrogen is not the only gas that bacteria may produce during fermentation and thus this test may give an incomplete picture. This will be returned to in their latest study.

The first Italian study found that about half of rosacea patients were positive by using the hydrogen breath test, where as in healthy people they found the rate was about 5%. The probability of this result being a coincidence is less than 1 in 1000.

Half of the SIBO-positive rosacea patients were treated with rifaximin, which is an antibiotic that is essentially not absorbed from the digestive tract and therefore does not enter the body or bloodstream and cannot directly reach the skin. In fact, the only likely direct effect of rifaximin is on bacteria in the intestines.

In those treated patients, 20 of 28 became symptom-free and 6 more greatly improved. The other half of SIBO-positive rosacea patients were treated with placebo and showed no improvement. Again the probability of these treatment results being coincidence is less than 1 in 1000.

When the placebo treated patients were switched to rifaximin, 17 of 20 cleared completely. Overall, 78% of all rifaximin treated patients became symptom-free and 18% improved greatly. Again the probability of this improvement being coincidence is less than 1 in 1000.

Finally, successfully treated patients were observed for 9 months and 96% maintained symptom clearance/improvement without further intervention. Of the 2 patients who suffered relapse, SIBO proved positive again and another course of rifaximin cleared their rosacea symptoms once more.

However, as mentioned at the beginning, only half of rosacea patients were found to be hydrogen producers (i.e. SIBO-positive) and the results discussed so far only relate to investigating these patients. Rifaximin was also given to patients that had tested negatively in the hydrogen breath test and disappointingly there was little evidence of any symptom improvement.

– Study 2 –

In the new study, a second type of breath test was introduced that measures methane production. They took 15 rosacea patients who were hydrogen positive (as in the first study) and 15 who were methane positive. They gave rifaximin to each group and the hydrogen producers were on average cleared of rosacea symptoms (or at least greatly improved) whereas the methane producing patients showed little or no improvement in symptoms (and no change in methane production).

They then treated the methane producing patients with metronidazole (an antibiotic with a long history of usefulness in rosacea therapy and also very effective at targeting methane-producing bacteria in the intestines). Following treatment, the methane producing patients on average experienced complete symptom-clearance, or at least significant improvement and near-clearance of methane production.

What is interesting about this second study is that it sheds light on why rifaximin was not able to clear rosacea in all patients in the first study. It would seem that the species/class of intestinal bacteria responsible for triggering rosacea symptoms is not specific and different bacteria appear to be responsible in different patients and therefore, different antibiotics are capable of improving symptoms. It is also interesting, since this provides an explanation for why metronidazole has in the past, demonstrated itself as an unusual, but effective treatment for rosacea.

It is also interesting, as they point out, that at the very least, they have found a new way to very accurately predict the patient response to a given antibiotic therapy by their profile of hydrogen and methane breath test results. This is a new and intriguing discovery about rosacea, with important implications.

This study is also inspiring, since it keeps open the possibility that intestinal bacteria may play a fundamental role in causing rosacea symptoms in all patients.

Finally, it is interesting, given the apparent diversity of bacterial species involved, that it would seem less likely that rosacea symptoms can be mediated by a specific metabolic by-product from bacteria fermentation and some other mechanism may be at work (the mechanism I favour – activation of the plasma kallikrein-kinin system >> bradykinin >> neurogenic inflammation – is outlined in my earlier study from 2004).

Anyway, this summarizes what’s been demonstrated and I watch this area with hopeful interest. If anyone has any questioned let me know. I include the abstract to the second study below in case the web link is removed in the future.

—————

Tuesday Oct 21st, 2008

HYDROGEN INSTEAD OF METHANE EXCRETION DURING GLUCOSE BREATH TEST ALLOW US TO PREDICT THE CLINICAL RESPONSE TO ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY WITH RIFAXIMIN IN PATIENTS WITH ROSACEA.

A. Parodi*1, S. Paolino2, A. Parodi2, G. Pieri1, C. De Cassan1, V. Savarino1

1Gastroenterology Unit, Di.M.I., 2Dermatology Unit, Di.S.E.M., Genoa, Italy

Topics: 3.1 Enterocyte biology/pathology and nutrient/water transport/electrolyte transport

INTRODUCTION: Recently, a role of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in rosacea has been demonstrated (1). The clinical effectiveness of antibiotics in clearing cutaneous lesions of rosacea may be related to their activity on intestinal bacteria.

AIMS & METHODS: We aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of rifaximin in rosacea patients with different gas excretion patterns. We enrolled 15 rosacea patients with high H2 and 15 with high CH4 excretion during a 50 g glucose breath test. Both groups received rifaximin therapy (1200mg/die for 10 days). Patients performed a further GBT one month after the end of therapy. Two dermatologists evaluated rosacea patients before and after treatment on the basis of an objective scale (IGA score). Patients who did not respond to rifaximin received an antibiotic therapy with metronidazole (500mg bid for 10 days) and underwent a further GBT and a dermatological assessment one month after the and of therapy.

RESULTS: Median IGA score was 4 (range, 3-6) both in H2 and in CH4 group. After therapy with rifaximin, GBT normalized in 14/15 H2 producers and in 2/15 CH4 producers (p <.001). IGA score was 0 (range, 0-2) and 3 (range, 2-4) in H2 and in CH4 group, respectively (p<.001). After metronidazole therapy GBT resulted to be normal in all but one CH4 patients and IGA score became 0 (range 0-4).

CONCLUSION: Rosacea patients with a prevalent CH4 excretion did not respond to rifaximin therapy. Methanogenic bacteria can be controlled by metronidazole, which represents an additional drug to improve rosacea lesions and can explain the partial success of this antibiotic in improving them in the past.

REFERENCE(S): 1) Parodi A, Paolino S, Greco A, Drago F, Mansi C, Rebora A, Parodi AU, Savarino V. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Rosacea: Clinical Effectiveness of ItsEradication.Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008 May 2.

#24778 cricket_goldie on November 7, 2008 at 7:32 AM

guys, what about the risks associated with xiafaxan and flagyl taken orally? From what I’ve read both of these antibiotics can cause collitis, something I definitely don’t want. However, the results in these studies makes it extremely tempting. Should I hold on, wait for some more research to be published corroborating these findings? Is the risk of collitis associated with these drugs substantial?

#24779 David Pascoe on November 7, 2008 at 9:10 AM

For those interesting in reading some more on a possibly related area, Seth in 2003 posted the text of a paper that he wrote .

A NOVEL METHOD FOR INDUCING REMISSION IN ROSACEA AND A NEW HYPOTHESIS TO ACCOUNT FOR ITS AETIOLOGY

davidp.

#27255 Nate on April 3, 2009 at 1:16 PM

After having tried a course of Rifaximin and then an immediate course of Metronidazole following the failed Rifaximin treatment, I can safely say that this study is not as conclusive as it might sound. I experienced little to no clearance in the majority of my symptoms and I did follow the same dosages listed above (1200mg Rifaximin a day for 7 days and 500mg of Metro for 10 days).

May others willing to try this have better luck than I.

#27258 David Pascoe on April 3, 2009 at 4:12 PM

Thanks heaps for the feedback Nate, always great to hear from people who have had direct experience. It helps us all learn what the reality might be – especially useful when we start with just the theory and limited experiences.

davidp.

#30219 Sheila on September 23, 2009 at 10:23 AM

Hello, friends:

I am frustrated about this rosacea condition. I had it diagnosed this year on January and I have been through different medical treatments with no significant improvement. I am a 40 years old female. I have the papulopustular subtype of rosacea. I have had even deep scars because before I used the oral doxycicline, some abscesses came out producing very visible scars. I have been two times using doxycicline 200 mg twice a day for 1 month with significant improvement (no papules or pustules) but still redness. Two weeks after I finish the 1 month course of oral doxycicline, the papules and pustules come back. A physician told me that I should not use doxycycline for more than 1 month because it could cause liver problems on the long run.
Now I am using oral prednisone 2.5 mg twice a day, topical clindamycin 1 % gel twice a day, and evening primrose oil capsules 1300 mg taken orally twice a day, with some control but still not good enough. I still keep getting the so bothersome papules and pustules (not the abscesses) which leave small scars. And they appear in different places in the cheeks and chin. I have been like 7 months trying all kinds of antibiotics (Metronidazole gel , clindamycin gel) and prednisone with no satisfactory improvement. I do not hate the redness, but I hate the pustules and papules.
I want to know if somebody has had a naturopathic or medical treatment that has kept the papulopustular rosacea under control with no or minimal symptoms for short or long time. Or if somebody has discovered a miraculous home remedy to avoid the pustules or papules coming out again for a considerable time or to make them disappear quick. Please let me know by posting at this website and/or by emailing to my email address sheila092001@yahoo.com. I will be eternally grateful if you could help me with my rosacea problem, please.

#30817 Mike on October 20, 2009 at 12:29 AM

Not sure you are reading the article correctly, Davo. There seem to be some non sequiturs in your reasoning.

The article does indeed state that in 96% of those rosaceans who were shown to have SIBO (using fermentation tests), eradication of the overgrowth resulted in clearance of their rosacea symptoms. Of those that subsequently relapsed at nine months (4%), all had recurrence of their SIBO. Eradication of that recurrence again led to remission of their rosacea.

As rifaximin has very low systemic absorption (almost all of it stays inside the GI tract and is not carried to the rest of the body), this clearance cannot be accounted for by the antiinflammatory properties of the antibiotic.

While not absolutely conclusion, this is actually fairly strong evidence that, in those rosaceans who had SIBO, the SIBO was causative.

As referenced above, further studies have additionally shown that not all rosaceans with SIBO have overgrowth of the same organisms. Distinction is made between hydrogen producing bacteria (treated with rifaximin) and methane producers (resistant to rifaximin but susceptible to metronidazole).

This is actually an exciting line of inquiring that has compelling initial empirical support and should be encouraged rather than disparaged by the rosacea community.

#30841 Sitika on October 21, 2009 at 3:24 AM

I have had rosacea about 6 months now. I am currently on Roaccutane (1month). My face is bright red , but the papules are slowly going. My face feels like it is on fire now and has been the last six months on and off. I hate this and cannot function anymore.
Can someone please tell me, if this study is having such great results, why is it not being used. My dermatologist, who cost me an absolute fortune, hasnt even mentioned it. Is this widely known and i have just happened to missed it all this time I have googled rosacea? Please help

#30843 Mike on October 21, 2009 at 4:14 AM

Sitika,

This is cutting edge research not standard of care. Few dermatologists have incorporated therapies like this into their practices.

Also keep in mind that in the study remission was achieved only in those rosaceans who had positive breath tests indicating overgrowth. If you don’t have SIBO, this treatment will not be curative. But if you do, it is certainly worthwhile!

Another potentially curable cause of rosacea (in some patients) is overgrowth of the demodex mite. This can be established with a skin scraping or biopsy. If you are one of the lucky few whose rosacea is caused by this mite, treatment with Elimite, Eurax, or ivermectin can be curative.

Unfortunately, rosacea is a complex, multifactorial disease, and it seems that most cases of rosacea do not neatly fall into either of the above two categories. However, this not mean it cannot be controlled.

I think it is the experience of most of us with this disease that we need to be our own advocates. Take the time to educate yourself about rosacea, plug into a support group or online forum, and don’t be afraid to experiment a little to find out what works for you.

#30844 Mike on October 21, 2009 at 4:21 AM

One more thing, Sitika: accutane has been known to worsen (sometimes permanently) flushing in rosaceans. For this reason, it is not typically a first line therapy (unless you have phymatous rosacea and rhinophyma). A more traditional approach would usually involve low dose oral antibiotics (doxycycline, tetracycline, or
minocycline) and a topical agent like azaleic acid, metronidazole, or sulfacetamide. This combination significantly improves both the papules and pustules and erythema in most rosaceans.

Good luck!

#31458 David Pascoe on November 23, 2009 at 11:48 AM

For those who’d like to follow some related discussions, see this thread at cpnhelp.org

A little experimentation – Lactobacillus Reuteri

and a thread at The Rosacea Forum

Who has had Vitamin D Levels Checked?

davidp.

#32382 Stuart on January 17, 2010 at 5:15 AM

This is very interesting and exiting!

It was about three years ago that I was diagnosed with rosacea as my symptoms were getting quite bad, at about the same time I started getting bad acid reflux issues and ended up with painful esophageal ulcers.

I have since been treated with doxycycline and rozex for the rosacea and nexium for the acid reflux. Both conditions are better but still definitely there. I have always suspected the two were linked but my doctor never said anything about it.

I wonder if this is related. Anyone else had issues with acid reflux?

#32464 Dave H on January 23, 2010 at 2:12 PM

Hi Stuart,

years ago, before my rosacea was diagnosed, I saw the doctor regarding what I was concerned was a heart complaint (it was an occassional mild, pain which came on quickly, but not quite quick enough to be considered ‘stabbing’. It was located on my left side, a bit above the mid-point of my torso). As I was in my mid-20s at the time, she assured me that people my age don’t have heart problems (reassuring, and I admit hypochondria may be in my repertoire), and suggested that it was an over-production of acid in the stomach burning the stomach wall lining (from memory). “A stomach ulcer?”, I asked her which she replied that it wasn’t, but stomach ulcers are what occur when this isn’t treated. The medication she prescribed worked.

Then, when I was diagnosed with doxycycline, I noted overtime a correlation between it and a return of this pain. I’d presumed that the doxycycline had some effect on the acid in the stomach. I’m not sure if this is related to your reflux though. What do you think?

Dave

#32661 Horst on February 4, 2010 at 9:23 PM

Very interesting, but where to get tested for methane ??

#32684 Stuart on February 6, 2010 at 6:06 AM

Hi David,

A pharmacist told me he thinks doxycycline causes acid reflux burning. When I asked my doctor he said the problem is only when you take it without much water. He said you would expect to see a large ulcer on the esophagus where the pill was stuck. I’m not sure.

Stuart

#32737 vlad on February 10, 2010 at 4:02 AM

Yes, where to get tested for methane? And is it possible to produce both methane and hydrogen? Thank you for the info

#32784 mo on February 12, 2010 at 5:12 AM

THis is a very interesting study. My MD husband found it and now I am trying the meds. I will report back and tell you how it did.

#33077 Hammer on February 25, 2010 at 12:42 PM

Dave H, when you write:

“It was located on my left side, a bit above the mid-point of my torso)”

I just finished reading Body, Mind and Sugar
~ E.M. Abrahamson (Author), A.W. Pezet (Author)

Where they explore blood sugar levels and particularly hypoglycemia (or hyperinsulinism).

They repeatedly mention how a “an occassional mild, pain which came on quickly, but not quite quick enough to be considered ’stabbing’. It was located on my left side, a bit above the mid-point of my torso” is often misdiagnosed by doctors and how often this has to do with the pancreas (located precisely there).

Have you noticed if this pain happens mostly when late at night (4am ‘ish) or later afternoon? (when blood sugar levels are lowest).

If so, perhaps you could investigate the hyperinsulinism aspect of it.

#33078 Hammer on February 25, 2010 at 12:43 PM

Anyone here have direct experience with the above mentioned antibiotics?

I am considering giving it a try.

#33081 Dave H on February 25, 2010 at 1:46 PM

Hi Hammer,

“Have you noticed if this pain happens mostly when late at night (4am ‘ish) or later afternoon? (when blood sugar levels are lowest).”

There didn’t seem to be really any specific time it would happen, but more likely after food or drink. A burp, for example, would be followed by the pain. So, I think it’s digestive related. Would you agree?

Regards,
Dave

#33088 Hammer on February 25, 2010 at 9:04 PM

Hi Dave,

What the book claims is that hyperinsulinism is very prominent and that besides the slight pain on the upper left side of the abdomen, in order to find out if one is indeed hypoglycemic, the 6 hour glucose tolerance test has to be done.

They usually do a 2 hour test for diabetes (the opposite of hypoglycemia), but 6 hours are needed for low blood sugar.

Here is how the test is done:

1) Nothing is eaten or drank after 6pm the previous day.

2) Upon awakening, one takes their fasting blood sugar level.

3) One then proceeds with a 100g. glucose solution.

4) You then take your blood sugar level at intervals of 30 minutes during the first hour and every hour thereafter until you reach 6 hours.

5) No food is consumed at any time.

6) You can look online for the different curves you will get. I like: http://hypoglykemie.nl/gtt.htm

7) If you, at anytime, but usually after the 4th of 5th hour, go below your initial fasting blood sugar levels, hypoglycemia is diagnosed.

** I personally didnt want to go to the doctors office, having to wait many hours for the chance of speaking with one who would be perhaps unaware of the hour test (most know about the 2 hour diabete test) and take up most of my time and DAYS trying to locate one, so I got a blood sugar level device diabetics use to measure their levels with a drop of blood. It may not be as precise as a lab, but it can still provide an idea.

By the way, excellent book this ‘Body, Mind and Sugar’

Good luck

#33640 Al on March 14, 2010 at 1:46 PM

Davo – Your comment ” The secondary result is that eliminating SIBO clears rosacea. Well that is no surprise ! Antibiotics interrupt the inflammatory pathway that causes the papules and pustules of rosacea. We all know that. ” overlooks the fact that Rifaximin ( the drug in the study ) does not enter the bloodstream. So it could not directly affect the skin.

Interestingly enough, I am trying this and today ( March 13, 2010 is my first day. Three opills a day for ten days. My rosacia on my chin has been medium to severe for two years after a sunnden onset. Countless other antibiotics have failed, as has different courses of Metronidazole and clindamycin. Common triggers have been avoided – no luck. If anyone is interested, I’ll report in a few weeks what my personal resultes are.

#33641 Al on March 14, 2010 at 1:48 PM

Sorry for all the typos above – cold fingers and too fast on the “submit” button make me look like a typing idiot!

#33672 Hammer on March 15, 2010 at 10:34 PM

I would be very interested, please keep us up to date on your results Al.

#34995 Al on March 30, 2010 at 6:53 AM

Here I am, 5 days or so after my Rifaximin treatment has ended and the open sores on my chin have healed up but I still have residual little pustules. I’ll report in another week or so. Of course, I’m VERY excited to have the abscesses cleared up, but am trying not to be too “on board” with this whole thing as they could have cleared up due to something else of course. One never knows. We shall see.

#34998 Hammer on March 30, 2010 at 8:15 AM

Thank you Al for getting back to us (me).

Just curious, did you do the breath test prior to using the antibiotic (to confirm the bacteria strain)?

Please continue to keep us posted. I am Very much interested.

Hope it works for you…

Hammer

#34999 Al on March 30, 2010 at 8:41 AM

No, I spoke to my Doc about the breath test and as the drug was only $50 ( 2 weeks worth of Decaf non-fat mochas ) I just did it as I was more interested in if it solved the problem rather than if I had the problem. Very un-scientific but if it works, I’m just as happy not knowing if I had Hydrogen-breath. Looking at this again, it would have been of more value to everyone else ( less anticdotal ) if I done the test first.

Thanks for all your past postings – very interesting!

Al

#36003 Doug on April 14, 2010 at 3:53 AM

AL,

Any new updates for us?

In any of the studies did the treatment help with redness or flushing? or just p&p’s?

Doug

#36024 David Pascoe on April 14, 2010 at 11:16 AM

I haven’t seen any updates on where therapy with treatments like Rifaximin are heading.

It would be nice to think that a solid discovery for all rosacea sufferers could arise from the SIBO research. Even better if something from it would go more mainstream as its applicability grows outside just those who have SIBO.

The study included patient with flushing and redness, but only counted skin lesions in their statistics. As they specifically noted that only these symptoms were relieved, I suspect that this means that no other benefits were noted.

BTW a scanned copy (with comments ) of this paper is available here

http://www.stlouisgastro.com/client_files/file/Rosacea-SIBO-treatment.pdf

davidp.

#36031 Al on April 14, 2010 at 12:45 PM

OK, Here’s the skinny.

Lesions began to clear about 5 days after I finished my 10 day course of meds. Still had little white pustule things coming up here and there – but somewhat minor. Now, all lesions but one are gone, and it seems to be on the way out but has a single persistant white demon from hell inside that won’t go away.

So, all-in-all, very inconclusive. Yes, I’m basically clear and no more pustules forming but I could not definitively say that it was the Rifaximin that did it, although I tried to avoid introducing any other changes ( hygiene, diet etc . . . ) and I was a mess beforehand. As far as flushing goes, I did buy tampons for my daughter the other day at Safeway and was nailed by a well placed joke at the register by an employee who happened to be behind me. And I flushed. But my primary trigger is a glass of white wine which I have not had lately. I suspect that this course of treatment has nothing to do with flushing but I guess I’ll never know. Well worth the 50 bucks though.

If I do not clear completely in the next few days, I do have a microscope on order thru Amazon as backup and will self-test for demodex – just for kicks.

#36032 Doug on April 14, 2010 at 1:59 PM

AL – Keep us updated! Sounds promising.

I do believe the digestive track plays some role in Rosacea. Since 70% of our immune system is related to our digestive system it would make sense.

Bad digestive system = weakened immune system = skin/body cant fight inflammation, etc.

#36053 Hammer on April 14, 2010 at 8:57 PM

Al, please please please do keep us up to date!

Regarding rosacea and immune system:

I have much improved my diet over the last couple of years and have noticed my immune system getting significantly stronger (dont catch colds, no runny nose, no more allergies) yet rosacea symptoms and intensity have remained constant or intensified.

My bowel frequency and quality went from loose to well shaped/formed stools.

I sincerely would like to believe rosacea is linked to intestinal health, but have yet, in my own experience, to see any correlation.

Oh, one piece that doesnt necessarily fit the puzzle…if gut health has no effect on rosacea, then I dont know how to explain when I take in probiotics (be it fermented milk, kefir or sauekraut), I tend to get worse.

Maybe it’s the lactose? But how to explain the sauekraut?

All forms of sugar make my symptoms worse.

Hammer.

#36739 Irene Fletcher on May 1, 2010 at 3:35 PM

I am a Rosacea sufferer and have been for 9 years. I recently had two molars extracted and with these teeth gone now my overall health has improved dramatically including my facial redness and swelling from the Rosacea. For the first time in 9 years I don’t feel as if I’m treading water every moment of the day. I actually have energy and stamina. I’ve been reading about the SIBO experiments and I’m wondering if Rosacea may be linked to the possibility of bacteria coming from teeth and gums. Have there been any studies about that type of bacteria as a possible cause?

#36748 Hammer on May 1, 2010 at 6:29 PM

I recall watching a video on YouTube (for whatever that is worth) about how most disease generate from the mouth and its health…

Dont know if I can find those videos again, but I listen to such a claim.

On another subject, would any of you or did any of you pass an 6 hour glucose tolerance test? I have my own personal hypothesis…I observe people and notice that those (not all) but the majority of people ‘with red cheeks’ are often out of shape and/or fat.

Which points to bad diet and especially eating alot fo refined carbs (white fllour and starches).

This is not my case (athletic) however my glucose test points to severe hypoglycemia (as my diet consisted almost entirely of bagels and breads for and between meals for a number of years).

I’d be very curious to find out the result of your GTT (6 hour glucose tolerance test) test if any of you went through one.

Hammer

#36751 Irene Fletcher on May 1, 2010 at 7:06 PM

I am a believer about disease beginning in the mouth after having these two teeth extracted and I feel so much better now. I have developed Type II Diabetes in the last 4 years and probably did have it earlier than that but wasn’t diagnosed. The Rosacea preceded the diabetes. Remember that Type II starts with severe bouts of hypoglycemia so be sure to watch that. I have two first cousins that now have been diagnosed with Type II when they went to the Dr. with symptoms of hypoglycemia. They are both quite thin and I was as well in the beginning of it. When blood sugar is too high it does cause the rosy cheeks to show up, because you get really warm is why and start to sweat.

#36936 Maureen on May 6, 2010 at 1:06 AM

Hammer
I am in total agreement with you about any forms of sugar,rather it be breads bagels white sugar or any fruits that are naturally high in their own natural state.There are high sugar fruits and low ones. The same goes for vegs. starchie one and low ones.I juiced carrots one time only drank about 1/4th. of a glass, within about 5-mins. my stomach was killing me and I wanted to vomit.Well I never juiced carrots again nor do I hardly eat them unless they are eaten at the end of a meal after I have had enough protein.
Iam so happy to hear that some are getting better after the Hydrogen Breath test I really need to do this also.
Saw my new Derma Dr. yesterday and told him when i gave up all Wheat and Dairy products that it really helped with all the burning in the face and just helped the rosacea in so many ways but it takes time. After doing this for so many years I do sneak it in my diet once in a while but boy do I pay for it Even the Dr. yesterday said my rosacea really looks good, other than the visible blood vessels I now have on my cheeks.He did say he has never heard any one say this before. I am not afraid to tell any Dr. what has helped me, Proboicts, digestive enzymes, Hydrochloric acid,and eliminating sugar the best you can helps tremendously.
I have all plans on checking this out for I have lived with this all my life and do at times have IBS.Thanks everyone for all your comments. Were all going to get rid of this someday you gotto believe that. Sorry this is so long.
~Maureen

#36940 Hammer on May 6, 2010 at 2:21 AM

Hi Maureen,
I enjoyed reading your post.

I have also eliminated dairy and all sugars (complex and simple: starches including grains, cereals, starchy vegetables like potatoes and carrots..etc.)

However I believe that by doing this, one’s blood sugar is also highly influenced…

Regarding probiotics, adding these to my diet worsens my symptoms significantly. I find that when I consume either kefir, sauekraut, fermented milk, my face worsens (alot) a few days later.

Other foods that worsen my symptoms: honey, maple syrup, milk, cashew nuts, high intake of fruits…others are not so obvious (large quantities of rice also does it).

Irene—> Dr. Perricone mentions that calorie restriction helps in clearing acnee. I have found this to be my case as well.

Could it be that since you have some teeth removed, you eat less? (to avoid pain)

#37276 Al on May 9, 2010 at 2:18 PM

Rifaximin results.

OK – so a follow-up to my last post is in order.

As previously noted, several days after my course of meds I began to clear up, and shortly after that I was completely clear ( and still am ) except for one horizontal crack in the center of my chin where the fold is. This lesion is about 1/4″ long and just a crack in width. It tends to almost heal at night but opens up the next day. It seems to have a deep pustule that keeps erupting and I’ve tried everything to rid myself of it. Noit unsightly – just bothers the heck out of me that I am 99.9 % there and can’t nail this one last challenge.

I have followed a fairly common test procedure for Demodex at home ( not difficult ) and came up negative. However, I will try again later this week and will report any change in outcome. I have read that Apple Cider Vinegar is helpful ( as it is for broken bones, outboard motors that won’t start and plugging leaks in oil pipes on the ocean floor ) and so have started drinking 3 oz in 16 oz of water with a little honey to nake it palatable, Ick . . . But I’m doing it twice a day and hope I don’t go blind.

All in all however, I’m 100% satisfied with my $50 expenditure for Rifazimin. I cannot be sure that it is responsible for my recovery – but I really didn’t change anything else. For what it costs – I think most of you should try it and report back in 30 days any improvement. I’m only one voice, and that does not make a very scientific test – just hearsay and there’s already enough of that going around.

#37277 Al on May 9, 2010 at 2:19 PM

Please excuse my many typos – it’s late and I didn’t proof read – or perhaps I am going blind.

Good luck all!

#44407 Liz on September 1, 2010 at 5:19 PM

@Stuart and @Dave H.

You guys are not crazy. I came down with the same problem as you (gastritis) about a year ago after my bank account and heart were broken by various people. I spent a lot of time lying on the floor and not eating, and at the end of this period I was showing the beginning signs of ulcers. Sharp pain, bloated feeling, etc.

I overcame it with some antacids.

However, one year later, as I finished my summer intensive classes last week (including skipping lots of meals), I began to get the same symptoms, simultaneously developing what I suspect is my first full-blown case of rosacea. To this I would like to add that I have been living in China for the last 5 months and since I came here my intestines have not known a day of peace.

So for what one woman’s opinion is worth, absolutely there is a correlation between gastro-intestinal health and rosacea. Not sure I understand it, but the evidence is there. Take it for what it’s worth.

#44437 Hammer on September 2, 2010 at 7:20 PM

Al,

Has your condition been holding up? Still 99% clear of rosacea or has some of it come back since?

Hammer

#44438 Al on September 2, 2010 at 9:58 PM

Yup – Pretty much as clear as I’ve ever been. A pustule once in a while but tiny. I did notice that after three weeks away on my boat in the islands here in the Northwest even my color returned to 100% normal which is very confusing. Perhaps just relaxing? or lots of salt water? or too much beer. One will never know.

#44444 Doug on September 3, 2010 at 12:04 AM

Or lots of sun/vitamin D!

#44850 Hammer on September 25, 2010 at 4:31 AM

Hi all,

I hesitate very much in taking antibiotics, however after reading the above posts (and trying many diets + fasts, and still experiencing my symptoms) I decided to try 10 days of Riflaximin.

I consulted an MD (who is also a microbiologist), showed him the Riflaximin / Rosacea research and asked if he could ideally:

1- Have me do a breath test to help determine methane or hydrogen in my gut, thus finding out if an antibiotic will be useful or not.

2- Should ’1′ be unable to acheive (doctor said he wasnt aware or the procedure or how to proceed with the breath test), then to simply prescribe Riflaximin for 10 days since it is non-systemic and very poorly absorbed by the body (therefore relatively safe) in any event.

To which the doctor promptly informed me that Riflaximin was not available in Canada (because no company here had asked or requested to make it available here).

Which leaves me, in my eyes, with the option of ordering on the web.

To which I wish to exercise high caution, since I dont want nor like to play with antibiotics, and in the event that I do (like now), I want to make sure I am getting the real thing, and not some lookalike (therefore falsifying my potential results and perhaps my health).

I dont mind to pay more to get the real thing. Actually, I only want the real thing.

Is there anyone here in the US or Europe who could perhaps give me any insights as to how I could proceed with giving Riflaximin a try?? As I live in Canada (Montreal) and not available here unfortunately.

Hammer

I contacted Salix Pharmaceuticals, whih is the company who manufactures Xifaxan, which is the brand name of riflaximin.

http://www.salix.com/Products/xifaxan550-xifaxan200/index.aspx

They however only sell in the US and Europe.