Relationship between Helicobacter pylori and rosacea: It may be a myth.

Although it is debatable whether Helicobacter pylori may play a role in the pathogenesis of rosacea, some authors suggested that the treatment of H. p ylori might have a beneficial effect. The aim of this investigation was to compare the prevalence of H. pylori between rosacea patients and controls, and to evaluate an effect of H. pylori eradication on rosecea by a e-week t riple therapy that was composed of amoxicillin, clarithromycin and omeprazo le. H. pylori was detected by using gastroscopic biopsy with Warthin- Starr y stain. Forty-two (84%) of 50 patients with rosacea and 39 (78%) of 50 con trols had H. pylori, showing no significant difference in prevalence. The c ure rates of H. pylori in rosacea patients and controls were 80% (16/20) an d 85% (17/20), respectively. There was no significant decrease in the inten sity of erythema in active treatment and placebo groups both during and aft er the treatment. Temporary improvement in papulopustules exclusively durin g the treatment (within 2 weeks) could be independent of H. pylori eradicat ion. Overall, no significant reduction in the number of papulopustules was observed in active treatment and placebo groups after the treatment (in 2 m onths). Taken together, our study found no significant lessening of rosacea lesions by treating H. pylori infection, which conclusively does not concu r with a view that H. pylori may be related to rosacea.