Study: Rosacea Linked to Tiny Facial Mites

Scientists are now able to link tiny mites that crawl across our faces, unfelt and unseen, to the development of skin-reddening rosacea. They're hopeful that this new finding might lead to more effective treatments for the condition. 

The mites, scientifically known as Demodex folliculorum, spend their daylight hours in our sweat glands. When they die, bacteria in their digestive tracts spills out into the glands. That's not a problem for the majority of us, but when people have a particularly large number of mites on their faces, the release of this bacteria can overwhelm the immune system, causing rosacea. 

These findings are leading scientists to theorize that dietary changes might be effective for preventing rosacea.  The mites feed on dead skin cells and sebum, the oily substance released by sebaceous glands. Eating lower-fat foods, according to the researchers, can lead to a more "normal" sebum that could prevent the mites from multiplying. 

To learn more, click here.