What’s The Difference Between Rosacea and Acne? You’re Red in the Skin

Rosacea and acne are both conditions that attack the pores of the skin. Both can cause lumps with similar shapes so that they are often compared to one another. However, you need to recognize the difference between these two conditions so that the treatment is not wrong. Here are some differences between the two:

Shape and appearance

The striking difference between rosacea and acne is in the shape and appearance. In general, rosacea looks like a reddish rash on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin. In fact, this reddish rash can also be seen on the ears, chest, and back.

Pimples are generally shaped lumps with reddish edges. Acne itself can occur anywhere, but mainly in parts of the body that produce a lot of oil, such as the face, forehead, chest, back, and shoulders.

Types and symptoms that accompany

Another difference between rosacea and acne is, both have different types of each. Rosacea is divided into four subtypes with their respective symptoms :

• Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: reddish rash and blood vessels appear smooth.
• Phymatous rosacea: thickening of the skin with a prominent texture.
• Papulopustular rosacea: redness, swelling, and breakout like acne.
• Ocular rosacea: rosacea in the eye that causes swollen eyes, irritation, and nodules appear.

Like rosacea, acne also consists of several types. Each type also has a different appearance and symptoms. Types of acne include:

• Whiteheads
• Blackheads
• Papules: small solid red bumps
• Pustules: lumps of papules with pus in them
• Nodules: lumps of pain that are under the surface of the skin
• Cystic pimples: pus-filled lumps of pain that are under the surface of the skin

Causative factor

Another difference between rosacea and acne lies in the cause. Not yet known what is the exact cause of rosacea. However, the following factors can increase your risk of getting rosacea, which are:

• abnormalities in the face veins
• microbes on the skin in the form of H. pylori and Demodex folliculorum
• light skin tone
• family history of rosacea

Unlike rosacea, acne is caused by excess production of sebum (oil) and a buildup of dead skin cells that clog pores. This blockage then becomes infected so that it swells, turns red, and eventually forms pimples.

Trigger

The difference between rosacea and zits is the next thing that triggers it. Rosacea is triggered by various things that trigger blood flow to the face. For example heat, exercise, sunlight, wind, drugs for hypertension, stress, and anxiety.

Meanwhile, the main trigger for acne is a surge in the hormone androgen. This hormone triggers the production of excess sebum that clogs pores. In addition, acne can also be triggered by stress, drugs that affect hormones, menstruation, and high sugar diets.

How to handle

You who are prone to rosacea need to carefully recognize the difference between this condition and normal acne. Because, the way to handle both is not the same.

Rosacea can be treated with skin redness remedies, antibiotics, isotretinoin, and therapies to shrink blood vessels on the face. You can also massage the flushed face to expedite blood flow.

Meanwhile, the cure for acne needs to be determined based on its severity. Mild acne can be treated with over-the-counter creams, gels and lotions. However, severe acne usually needs to be treated with salicylic acid, strong antibiotics, to steroid injections.

Although the appearance and symptoms are very similar, rosacea and acne are two different conditions. You need to understand the difference so that it is not wrong when treating it.

If you find a reddish rash on the face but are not sure of its type, try consulting a doctor.