What is the relationship of H. pylori to diseases of the skin?
H. pylori has been implicated in a variety of diseases that are not related to the gastrointestinal tract. The skin is an example and several studies have suggested an association with the following conditions:4,5 • Chronic urticaria – Several studies have found a link between H. pylori infection and chronic urticaria. It is thought that infection with H. pylori increases the permeability of the stomach lining and thus increases the exposure to allergens (substances that causes an allergy) in the gastro-intestinal tract. Also, the immune response to H. pylori produces antibodies that may encourage release of histamine in the skin. • Rosacea – H. pylori can increase levels of nitrous oxide in the blood or tissue contributing to the flushing and erythema (redness) of rosacea. • Psoriasis – H. pylori may be one of the organisms capable of triggering the inflammatory response in psoriasis. • Sjögren syndrome – H. pylori may induce an autoimmune reaction to the skin and glands causing Sjögr
