Here's a medical news story that links a standard habit (drinking coffee) with a standard skin condition (rosacea) — and it also has a completely satisfied ending.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea might be something you've seen over and over and don't know what it's – or perhaps you may have it. This is the pink or red tint that some people have on their cheeks, especially women with fair hair. Sometimes there are small spots that seem like pimples. If you look closely (after asking permission, in fact), you'll see tiny blood vessels slightly below the surface of the skin. In more severe cases it could possibly involve the chin, brow, nose, ears and other skin surfaces. It can affect the eyes, eyelids and cause thickening of the skin on the nose.
We don't know what causes rosacea. However, there are theories that it might be, at the very least partially, a genetic condition, as it could possibly run in families. Because the immune system appears to be involved within the inflammation of rosacea, and since other autoimmune conditions (corresponding to type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis) can accompany rosacea, abnormal immune function may play a job. Medicines (corresponding to topical anti-inflammatory drugs) and antibiotics can reduce redness and inflammation, but there isn't any cure. Many people appear to have the ability to scale back their rosacea symptoms by changing their food regimen to avoid foods that trigger it.
Rosacea affects greater than 14 million people within the United States, including some celebrities, corresponding to Bill Clinton and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. And while it's not dangerous, it could possibly have a major cosmetic effect. It is believed that caffeine, sunlight, spicy foods, and hormonal aspects can trigger the event of rosacea or worsen it once it's present. However, a brand new study challenges the link between caffeine and rosacea.
More coffee, less rosacea?
Oh A recent study analyzed health data from surveys administered to just about 83,000 women over a decade and located that:
- Those who drank 4 or more cups of coffee per day were significantly less prone to be diagnosed with rosacea than those that didn't drink coffee.
- Those who drank lower than 4 cups of coffee per day were also less prone to develop rosacea, although the protective effect was smaller.
- Consumption of decaffeinated coffee was not related to a lower incidence of rosacea.
- Caffeine intake from other foods or beverages (corresponding to chocolate or tea) had no effect on the likelihood of developing rosacea.
Why is that this essential?
These findings from this study are greater than just interesting observations. If other research can confirm these findings, it could lead on to a greater understanding of why rosacea develops in some people and never others. Because inflammation driven by the immune system is believed to play a very important role in rosacea, insights into the event of this disease may extend to the event of other autoimmune disorders. Finally, many individuals with rosacea (or a family history of the disease) who love coffee may avoid it due to the widespread perception that coffee will make it worse. The results of this study suggest that this will not be true.
There are all the time caveats.
As with all research of this kind, there are limitations to think about. For example, this study
- Only women, most of whom were white, were included—we would want additional studies of men and other ethnic groups to see if the outcomes generalize.
- reliance on health surveys and study participants' past assessments and dietary recall; Such survey data may not all the time be accurate.
- A link was found between high coffee consumption with a lower risk of rosacea, but this cannot determine whether coffee consumption is definitely the cause. Reason Reduction in rosacea.
The bottom line
Coffee is one of the crucial consumed beverages on the planet, and one of the crucial studied. While it might cause problems for some (corresponding to heartburn, tremors, or palpitations), it's a source of joy and delight for thousands and thousands. In addition, coffee has been linked to a variety of health advantages, starting from a discount in type 2 diabetes and liver cancer to longevity. From this latest research, it appears that you could add potential rosacea prevention to the list.