New 23andMe Report on Rosacea

23andMe released a new report Powered by 23andMe Research on Rosacea for 23andMe+ members. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that typically affects the central parts of the face.

It is commonly characterized by flushing, redness, and visible blood vessels, but symptoms can vary; some individuals experience irritation or inflammation of the eyes or eyelids, while others experience thickened skin. Symptoms can come and go in response to environmental triggers.

Mayo Clinic says that rosacea is a common skin condition that causes blushing or flushing and visible blood vessels in your face. It may also produce small, pus-filled bumps. These signs and symptoms may flare up for weeks to months and then go away for a while. Rosacea can be mistaken for acne, other skin problems, or natural ruddiness.

According to the Mayo Clinic, rosacea can affect anyone. But it’s most common in middle-aged white women. There’s no cure for rosacea, but treatment can control and reduce the signs and symptoms.

Mayo Clinic says that rosacea can be due to an overactive immune system, heredity, environmental factors or a combination or a combination of these. Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene and it’s not contagious. Flare ups might be triggered by: hot drinks and spicy foods; red wine and other alcoholic beverages; temperature extremes; sun or wind; emotions; exercise; drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications; some cosmetic, skin or hair care products.

23andMe points out it is estimated that around 5% of adults have rosacea. It is more prevalent among older adults, females, and individuals with family history of the condition. 

The exact cause is not well understood. Evidence suggests that genetics and inflammation caused by an overactive immune system may play a role. Other factors may also to contribute to risk, including overreactive blood vessels that dilate too easily, sensitivity to microorganisms that naturally live on the skin, and an imbalance of natural bacteria that live in the gut.

Current research is aimed at trying to understand rosacea and identify therapies that can help.

In 2015, scientists from 23andMe and Stanford University School of Medicine identified two genetic variants that were strongly associated with rosacea among people of European ancestry.

One of these markers can be found near genes involved with other conditions such as diabetes and celiac disease. Another sits between BTNL2 and HLA-DRA, genes associated with histocompatibility and immune response. 

Later research from 23andMe and GlaxoSmithKline also unearthed seven gene regions that were associated with rosacea symptom severity.

23andMe states there is no cure for rosacea, but individuals can manage it by identifying and avoiding triggers, like sunlight and emotional stress, and by working with a healthcare professional to consider other treatments like medications and light-based therapies.

Simple lifestyle changes can also help. For people with rosacea, it is especially important to protect the face from UV light, use gentle skin cleaners, and moisturize regularly. Counseling and support groups can also help with feelings of embarrassment or depression that can arise from the condition.

23andMe’s new Rosacea report (Powered by 23andMe Research) is available to all annual members of the 23andMe+ Membership. Not an annual subscriber 23andMe+ Membership? Find out more here.

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