Researchers say patients with rosacea who complain about gastrointestinal symptoms could also have one of several gastrointestinal disorders including celiac disease, says a study published in the January 18th issue of the British Journal of Dermatology.
Rosacea is a common skin disease according to the American Academy of Dermatology. If you have never known anyone with rosacea, you certainly are familiar with one or two: President Bill Clinton and the late Princess Diana.
Rosacea and celiac disease
The study found people with rosacea have a higher prevalence for gastrointestinal disease, including celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Helicobacter Pylori infection, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and irritable bowel syndrome. And specifically, “a rosacea-associated increased risk of new-onset [celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome].
What does this mean? If you have rosacea and GI symptoms, discuss this possibility with your doctor and perhaps see a gastroenterologist. It certainly can’t hurt. As an aside, don’t forget all of the other symptoms that can tag along with celiac disease. There are many people who have celiac disease and don’t get gastrointestinal symptoms.
However, it is important to note that people can get rosacea without having a gastrointestinal problem. If you are concerned, be sure to check with your dermatologist. This study suggests additional research is needed to determine a possible link between rosacea and the gastrointestinal system and says further clinical investigation may be needed for rosacea patients with GI symptoms.
*I am not a medical professional. Please see your doctor if you have medical concerns about this topic.
Tags: celiac, crohn's, disease, gastroenterologist, gastrointestinal, GI, gut, IBS, rosacea, ulcerative colitis
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