5 Things You Need to Know About Rosacea and Acne

1. The Acne and Rosacea Dilemma

Rosacea and acne are two different skin conditions, so the term "acne rosacea" is misleading. However, some individuals have both skin problems. When they occur simultaneously, some people may call these skin conditions acne rosacea, rosacea or adult acne. The primary symptom of rosacea is when small blood vessels on the nose dilate. The result is redness or flushing that will spread if not treated. The cause is most likely genetics and sun exposure, and no cure exists. By contrast, the symptoms of acne are pimples, whiteheads, blackheads or cysts. The causes of acne are clogged pores and bacteria, so acne is curable.

2. Rosacea and Acne: Contrast and Comparison

Rosacea can cause papules that may look like acne, but they differ because they won't have whiteheads or blackheads. Rosacea generally occurs in people between 30 and 50. Acne usually plagues teenagers, although it can strike people later in life. Acne can appear on the chest and back; rosacea will not. Fair-skinned people are more vulnerable to rosacea, while acne does not discriminate. Rosacea can lead to more serious problems, such as rhinophyma (an enlarged nose), eye (ocular) rosacea or rosacea keratitis, which can lead to blindness. Acne does not present these serious advancements of the condition.

3. Treating Rosacea

See a doctor to confirm a diagnosis of rosacea. It is best to treat the symptoms early because they most often will become worse over time. Your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic, such as tetracycline, and/or a topical antibiotic. To reduce inflammation, your doctor may prescribe a topical steroid. Laser treatments are effective against the redness, flushing and spider veins that are prominent features of rosacea. Since the sun is an aggravating factor in rosacea, you should always use a sunscreen.

4. Treating Acne and Rosacea

If you have rosacea and acne, you need a doctor's guidance on how to treat the two conditions. Don't pick out over-the-counter medications if your doctor has diagnosed you with rosacea. It's best to let a doctor advise you on a treatment plan. A dermatologist might prescribe an oral or topical antibiotic since bacteria is sometimes the cause of acne. Retinoids that unclog the pores are helpful, too. For severe acne, including cysts, cortisone injections may help. Chemical peels and laser treatments also have shown benefits.

5. Overlapping Treatments

Despite the differences between rosacea and acne, some of the medications to treat the conditions overlap. Your doctor may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics and/or sulfa washes to treat both conditions simultaneously. The simultaneous use of other drugs, such as retinoids, may work with rosacea. Both rosacea and acne benefit from laser treatments, and some people with rosacea do well with chemical peels that help clear acne.