Rosacea Vs Acne

Rosacea resembles acne, but is different from it. Rosacea occurs typically in adults, while acne occurs in teenagers and children. Besides, acne is characterized by the presence of blackheads, which are not seen in rosacea. Also, as mentioned earlier, rosacea is a neurovascular condition - blood vessels break and rosacea causes them to produce the flushing effect.

Acne, on the other hand, manifests itself as pimples usually. The flushing effect of rosacea is not seen in the case of acne. A person with rosacea may, however, also have acne.

Rosacea has a close affinity to seborrheic dermatitis

Rosacea has closer affinity to seborrheic dermatitis, in the sense that they both have a common characteristic - the oil glands are infected in both instances. It is different from seborrheic dermatitis in terms of the flushing. Seborrheic dermatitis characteristics do not include flushing. However, they both can also co-exist in the same individual.

Types of Rosacea

While rosacea is the term generally used to describe this condition of reddening and flushing of the skin, there are actually four subtypes of the condition. These subtypes are categorized based on different factors, such as the area of incidence and the manifested symptoms.

The four subtypes are:

1. Papulopustular Rosacea
2. Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea
3. Ocular Rosacea
4. Phymatous Rosacea

Papulopustular Rosacea

Papulopustular rosacea is commonly mistaken for acne, as the symptoms manifested for both are more or less the same. This type of rosacea is characterized by pustules containing pus, papules (resembling red bumps), and some level of permanent redness.

Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is characterized by quick flushing of the skin. Other common symptoms include presence of small blood vessels on or near the skin surface, permanent redness, and a burning sensation.

Ocular Rosacea

Ocular rosacea usually affects the eyes, as the name suggests. It is seen in almost 50% of rosacea cases, and is characterized by dry eyes, redness in the eyes, as well as irritation in the eyes and the eyelids. Another common symptom is an itching sensation in the eyes and the eyelids.

Phymatous Rosacea

Phymatous rosacea occurs on the nose, chin, forehead, cheeks and ears. It is characterized by red bumps on the skin surface, thickening of the skin in the affected areas, and sometimes, the presence of blood vessels near the ski surface in the affected areas.

Causes and Symptoms of Rosacea >>