We at Maine Laser Skin Care have treated rosacea, the long-term skin condition that causes facial redness and broken blood vessels, since our practice’s inception in 2003. Having the most in-depth experience treating rosacea in Maine has earned us frequent referrals from dermatologists and primary care providers throughout the state.
As a result of our preeminent role as providers of rosacea treatments, our patients and clients frequently ask us questions about this condition. Keeping up on the research from the dermatology scientific literature helps us be a reliable resource for answers.
One common question we receive is: Is rosacea hereditary? A recent article in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology details a study that sought to answer that question through a study involving 6 generations of patients. The recent findings suggest that the role of hereditary factors in rosacea has been underestimated.
Based on the data accumulated, the prevalence of familial rosacea was 69.2%. In addition, 45% of cases showed association with the maternal, or mother’s, side of the family, while only 33% appeared to come from the paternal, or father’s, side.
So yes, rosacea can be hereditary, although we have seen many cases where patients are the only person in their family that suffers from rosacea of whom they know. Genetics are certainly a factor, but the root cause of rosacea is still unfortunately unknown and undergoing continued research.
As always, we here at Maine Laser Skin Care will continue to monitor the medical and scientific literature. We will also alert you when new research is available on a wide range of skin care and aesthetic topics.