Ocular Rosacea, Demodex, SIBO

[ElaineA]

Ocular rosacea (aka blepharitis demodex) is strongly linked to Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Treating the SIBO with the correct antibiotic can fix the immune system allowing the body to regain its capability to suppress demodex skin mites.

https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/whats-that-gut-to-do-with-it

[JonathanNeachell]

ElaineA Hi and thanks for sharing the link. Very interesting. I have inflamed eyes (they seem to water a lot) and rosacea with papules. My skin itches (also on my scalp). I asked the GP to prescribe the same oral Metronidazole and oral Ivermectin but he refused and wouldn’t explain why.


Instead he prescribed Lymecycline which I assume is to treat the symptoms rather than the route cause. I’m concerned taking these long term isn’t good for you and will also be ineffective. I plan to go back to the derm and try again

[ElaineA]

ElaineA Hi and thanks for sharing the link. Very interesting. I have inflamed eyes (they seem to water a lot) and rosacea with papules. My skin itches (also on my scalp). I asked the GP to prescribe the same oral Metronidazole and oral Ivermectin but he refused and wouldn’t explain why.


Instead he prescribed Lymecycline which I assume is to treat the symptoms rather than the route cause. I’m concerned taking these long term isn’t good for you and will also be ineffective. I plan to go back to the derm and try again

Lymecycline/Doxycycline is what they usually give for Rosacea. If you also have Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) or Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO), which is highly likely for Rosacea Subtype 2 and 3 with demodex skin mites, the Lymecycline is unlikely to help in the long run. Lymecycline is just part of the medical witch doctor voodoo recipe. SIBO and its fraternal twin SIFO can cause gut issues which can screw up your immune system. A suppressed immune system leads to a demodex skin mite overpopulation. The demodex overpopulation is what causes the skin and eye symptoms. Multiple medical studies have linked Rosacea and SIBO. Clear the SIBO and the Rosacea goes away too. Unless the Lymecycline happens to be effective against the specific gut bacteria which may be causing SIBO, it is unlikely to help in the long run. It won't help SIFO at all. SIBO and SIFO can occur separately or together.

There is a general screening breath test for SIBO. The breath test does not identify the specific type of bacteria causing the SIBO. The better Endoscope Test collects fluid from the small intestine and cultures it for bacteria and fungus. The Endoscope test is the gold standard for identifying the specific type of bacteria and/or fungus causing the problem. Once the type of bacteria and or fungus is identified the most effective medication can be prescribed to clear the SIBO/SIFO in as little as 1 to 3 weeks.

Oral antibiotics or oral fungal drugs can be used to clear the problem in 1-3 weeks. Some people prefer to try the healthy diet and or supplement approach to improve their gut health. That approach can work as well. A well balanced healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet with plenty of high fiber vegetables, fruit and whole grains can be very helpful. Probiotics (in fermented food and supplements) and prebiotics (mostly high fiber) can be very helpful as well at supporting a healthy gut. A diet low in sugar is also helpful to avoid feeding the bad bacteria. Too much sugar can also make your skin oilier which feeds the demodex.