Rosacea Causes

Doctors don't know the exact cause of rosacea. Some doctors think rosacea happens when blood vessels expand too easily, causing flushing. People who blush a lot may be more likely to get rosacea. It is also thought that people inherit the likelihood of getting the disease.

Though not well-researched, some people say that one or more of these factors make their rosacea worse:

• Heat (including hot baths)
• Heavy exercise
• Sunlight
• Winds
• Very cold temperatures
• Hot or spicy foods and drinks
• Drinking alcohol
• Menopause
• Emotional stress
• Long-term use of steroids on the face.

People with rosacea and pimples may think the pimples are caused by bacteria. But no one has found a clear link between rosacea and bacteria.