Rosacea: Causes, Triggers & an Integrative Dermatologist’s Approach in Las Vegas Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology | Dr. Kendall Egan, MD

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by facial redness, flushing, sensitivity, and acne-like breakouts. It is one of the most common causes of persistent facial redness in adults and frequently impacts quality of life. At Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology, we take an integrative, evidence-based approach to rosacea by addressing both visible skin symptoms and internal drivers of inflammation, including gut health, microbial balance, and systemic immune activation.

Rosacea most commonly affects the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead and may worsen over time if not properly managed. While it is often diagnosed in adulthood, early symptoms frequently begin years before patients receive an accurate diagnosis.

What Is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disorder involving the skin’s blood vessels, immune system, and barrier function. It often begins with facial flushing and sensitivity and may progress to persistent redness, inflammatory papules and pustules, visible blood vessels, skin thickening, or eye symptoms.

Common rosacea symptoms include persistent facial redness, frequent flushing, acne-like bumps without blackheads, burning or stinging sensations, visible capillaries, and dry or irritated eyes. Rosacea affects all skin types and is frequently misdiagnosed as acne or sensitive skin.

Types of Rosacea

Rosacea presents differently from person to person, and many patients experience overlapping subtypes. Identifying the specific pattern is essential for effective treatment.

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea causes facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels. Papulopustular rosacea presents with inflammatory bumps and pustules often mistaken for acne. Phymatous rosacea leads to skin thickening, most commonly affecting the nose. Ocular rosacea affects the eyes and may cause dryness, burning, irritation, or recurrent eye symptoms.

What Causes Rosacea?

There is no single cause of rosacea. It develops from a complex interaction of chronic inflammation, immune system dysregulation, vascular hyperreactivity, genetic predisposition, and impaired skin barrier function. Genetics plays a role.

From an integrative dermatology perspective, rosacea is increasingly recognized as a condition influenced by internal inflammatory drivers, particularly gut health. Research and clinical observation suggest that gastrointestinal conditions and microbial imbalance may contribute to systemic inflammation that manifests on the skin.

The Role of Gut Health in Rosacea

The gut-skin axis plays an important role in inflammatory skin diseases, including rosacea. Disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract can promote immune activation, inflammatory signaling, and vascular changes that worsen facial redness and flushing.

Key gut-related contributors we consider in select rosacea patients include gut dysbiosis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and Helicobacter pylori infection.

Gut dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the intestinal microbiome, where beneficial bacteria are reduced and inflammatory or pathogenic organisms dominate. Dysbiosis can increase intestinal permeability, promote systemic inflammation, and dysregulate immune responses. In rosacea patients, this inflammatory burden may contribute to flushing, sensitivity, and recurrent flares.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when excessive bacteria colonize the small intestine. SIBO has been associated with rosacea in multiple studies, particularly in patients with flushing and papulopustular subtypes. Bacterial overgrowth can lead to increased gas production, bloating, nutrient malabsorption, and inflammatory mediators that affect the skin.

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that infects the stomach lining and is associated with gastritis, ulcers, and systemic inflammation. Some rosacea patients have been found to have H. pylori infection, and treatment of this infection in appropriate cases has been associated with improvement in rosacea symptoms. While not all rosacea patients have H. pylori, it is an important consideration in those with concurrent gastrointestinal symptoms.

Patients with persistent flares, gastrointestinal complaints, or rosacea that does not respond to standard therapy, evaluation of gut health may provide valuable insight.

Read more about gut health, integrative medicine, and how our gut can affect our skin here. Read more about gut health and integrative testing gut here.

Common Rosacea Triggers

Rosacea triggers vary by individual but commonly include sun exposure, heat, hot showers, temperature changes, alcohol, spicy foods, hot beverages, emotional stress, and harsh skincare products. Internal triggers such as gut inflammation, dysbiosis, and stress-related hormonal shifts may also contribute to flare patterns. Identifying both external and internal triggers is key to long-term rosacea control.

Why Rosacea Is Often Misdiagnosed

Rosacea is frequently misdiagnosed as acne, allergic reactions, eczema, sensitive skin, lupus rashes, or perioral dermatitis. Misdiagnosis can result in treatments that worsen inflammation, including aggressive acne regimens or inappropriate topical steroid use. Accurate diagnosis by a board-certified dermatologist is essential for safe and effective management.

Integrative Therapies for Rosacea

At Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology, integrative therapies are used to complement medical dermatology and support long-term disease control.

Integrative rosacea care may include anti-inflammatory nutrition guidance, identification of dietary triggers, lifestyle and stress management strategies, and evaluation of the gut-skin connection when clinically appropriate. In select patients, we assess for gut dysbiosis, SIBO, or H. pylori infection when symptoms and history suggest an internal inflammatory driver.

We also emphasize gentle, barrier-supportive skincare, avoidance of irritants, and long-term maintenance strategies designed to reduce flare frequency and improve skin resilience.

Integrative care does not replace evidence-based dermatology treatments. Instead, it enhances outcomes by addressing the whole patient and reducing systemic inflammation that can perpetuate skin disease.

Read more about gut heatlh, integrative testing, and helicobacter or H pylori here

Our Integrative Dermatology Approach to Rosacea Treatment

Rosacea treatment is highly individualized and may include prescription topical or oral medications, gentle barrier-repair skincare, trigger identification and avoidance, integrative nutrition strategies, supplements, gut-skin evaluation when indicated, stress, integrative therapies, lifestyle counseling, and long-term maintenance planning.

Our goal is to reduce inflammation, restore skin barrier function, minimize flares, and help patients understand their condition so they can manage it confidently.

Can Rosacea Be Cured?

Rosacea is a chronic condition, but it can be effectively controlled. With accurate diagnosis and a personalized integrative treatment plan, many patients experience fewer flares, reduced redness, improved skin comfort, and long-term stability.

Rosacea Treatment in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas climate presents unique challenges for rosacea, including sun exposure, heat, and dry air. Successful rosacea treatment must account for environmental triggers, lifestyle factors, and internal health contributors. Personalized dermatologic care is essential for long-term success.

Schedule a Rosacea Consultation

Kendall Egan MD, Board-certified Dermatologist Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology

8660 W Spring Mountain Rd Ste 101Las Vegas, NV 89117

Phone: 702-930-6441or shedule online at

Website: www.lasvegasintegrativedermatology.com

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Content on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or medical care. Individual conditions and treatment needs vary, and you should always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice. Some integrative or lifestyle-based approaches discussed may not be appropriate for all patients and are offered as part of a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan when clinically indicated.

Reading this content does not establish a physician–patient relationship with Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology or its providers.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or seek immediate medical care.

Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology

Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology is a board-certified dermatology clinic providing medical, surgical, and integrative dermatology care in Las Vegas, Nevada. We specialize in personalized treatment for acne, hair loss, eczema, rosacea, pediatric skin conditions, nail disorders, skin cancer screening, and inflammatory skin disease.

Our clinic serves patients throughout Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Boulder City, and surrounding Nevada communities, offering thoughtful, individualized care in a calm, patient-focused environment.

Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology

8660 W Spring Mountain Rd, Suite 101Las Vegas, NV 89117

702-930-6441

🌐 www.lasvegasintegrativedermatology.com

We welcome patients seeking comprehensive dermatologic care, including those with complex or chronic skin concerns.