The response of rosacea to eradication ofHelicobacter pylori

Sir, Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder which usually affects middle‐aged individuals. Its cause is unknown. Although rosacea was previously believed to be associated with gastrointestinal upsets, no significant association has been found between rosacea and the intestinal tract. Recently, a causative role for Helicobacter pylori (HP) in rosacea has been suggested.1–4 Our purpose was to evaluate the benefit of the treatment of HP and to investigate the possible role of HP in rosacea patients. Fourteen men and six women with rosacea were recruited. Their ages ranged from 17 to 70 years (mean 38). The types of lesions were classified clinically as erythematous (18 patients), papular (eight), glandular (six) and telangiectatic (five). Some patients had two or more types of lesions. The glandular type was defined clinically as rhinophyma, a gross enlargement and deformity of the nose. Two patients had no definite erythema; one had papular and glandular lesions and the other had telangiectatic and glandular lesions.