Skin blemishes and discoloration can be a recurring problem throughout life. It can be difficult to determine the cause of these skin conditions without consulting a physician, as many of them look similar to the untrained eye. Two conditions that are easy to confuse by non-professionals are acne and rosacea.
Acne
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, as many as 50 million Americans suffer from acne, making it the most common skin condition. Acne is caused when pores become blocked by sebum, an oil secreted by the skin. Depending on the severity of the blockage and how deep it is in the pore, bacteria can colonize the pore and cause inflammation. Severe cases of acne can cause significant skin reddening and swelling.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a condition involving the blood vessels in the face. Persistent redness across the cheeks and nose is a common symptom of rosacea, and as the condition progresses, clusters of blood vessels and swollen red bumps may give the face a pebbly appearance. In extreme cases, the nose and cheeks may become puffy and disfigured, and rosacea can even spread to the eyes, where it can cause dryness, irritation and redness, leading to significant damage if not treated promptly.
Differences
While acne and rosacea can appear similar at first glance, the two conditions have some differences. Acne typically only affects teenagers and young adults, while rosacea tends to appear in patients older than 30. Acne can manifest as dark pore blockages called blackheads as well as pus-filled pimples called whiteheads, while rosacea appears mostly as surface redness or red spots. In addition, the presence of ocular symptoms is a good indicator of rosacea, as acne generally does not affect the eyes.
Treatments
Both acne and rosacea sufferers can benefit from antibiotic therapy, either through the use of antibiotic topical creams or through oral medications. Doctors may also prescribe topical agents like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids or other treatments in an attempt to reverse surface inflammation. Extreme rosacea cases may require laser surgery, while severe acne cases may benefit from corticosteroids or hormonal treatments.
Skin Care
In the case of either rosacea or acne, skin care can help mitigate some of the worst symptoms. For acne, the American Academy of Dermatology advises washing with mild soap and warm water once or twice a day, and avoiding harsh cleansers and over-scrubbing. The academy also advises rosacea sufferers to avoid exposure to the sun, heavy cosmetics and any skin care product that may dry out the area, increasing irritation and inflammation.
