Is it Acne or Rosacea?
If you or a loved one seems to be suffering from persistent redness on the skin of the face, along with infected looking bumps or pustules, you may wonder whether or not it is acne or another common skin ailment called rosacea. Rosacea is very common among those who are very fair and for those who have a history of the skin condition in their family. Acne on the other hand, is common among all people, no matter their ethnic background, skin coloration or family history. If you are concerned that you may be suffering from rosacea, then you may want to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can tell the difference between Acme and rosacea. Here is a look at how your doctor will determine whether or not you are suffering from agony or more serious skin condition.
There are many differences between rosacea and acne. For example, people who suffer from acne will find that they have breakouts on all parts of their body. It is not generally just on their face. While rosacea on the other hand, affects usually just the face. Sometimes rosacea can affect the neck, scalp and chest, but this is less common. There are patterns to rosacea as well. Generally, people who suffer from rosacea will find that they have redness along their cheeks and nose and forehead, while acne can affect any part of the face. Rosacea can also settle in the eye, which is called ocular rosacea and can cause disfigurement of the nose. This does not happen with acne patients.
Another big difference between acne and rosacea comes in the actual bumps themselves. For example, for those who suffer from acne breakouts will find that the pimples that they get are usually filled with pus and can be quite large. With treatment, these can go away in a matter of a couple of days. Rosacea on the other hand, can cause bumps, but generally these are very small and most of the time they are not filled with pus. Rosacea pustules will not go away with common acne treatments.
When you see your doctor to determine whether or not you have rosacea these are all things that your doctor will take into consideration during her or his diagnosis. In addition, your doctor will ask you about your family background and whether or not rosacea is a problem for other members of your family. If you are experiencing redness and bumps on your face, and you are not a teenager, then your doctor will take special notice. Rosacea usually affects middle-aged men and women, so this is a common sign of rosacea
Your doctor will also want to know if you have a history of blushing or facial reddening. If you are a person who blushes easily then you are more prone to rosacea than others who are not. Your doctor may also ask you about the types of food you eat or other triggers that may be associated with you rosacea outbreaks. Sometimes these triggers can lead your doctor to the correct diagnosis of rosacea as opposed to acne. Of course, if you have redness in your eyes or enlargement of your nose, then you probably have rosacea instead of acne.
