Don't get me wrong, these are the 5 differences between rosacea and regular acne

What are the differences between rosacea and acne?

Rosacea and acne are both conditions that attack the pores of the skin. Both can cause lumps with similar shapes that are often confused with one another.

However, you need to recognize the difference between these two conditions so that they are not mistakenly handled. Here are some of the differences between the two:

1. Shape and appearance

The striking difference between rosacea and acne is in their 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 appear on the ears, chest and back.

Acne is generally a lump with a reddish edge. Acne itself can occur anywhere, but especially in parts of the body that produce lots of oil, such as the face, forehead, chest, back, and shoulders.

2. Types and accompanying symptoms

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

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 pimples.
Ocular rosacea : rosacea in the eyes which causes swelling, irritation, and rashes.

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

Whiteheads
Blackheads
Papules: small, dense red bumps
Pustules: papule bumps with pus inside
Nodules: painful lumps that are under the surface of the skin
Cystic acne: painful, pus-filled bumps that are under the surface of the skin

3. Causative factors

Another difference between rosacea and acne lies in their causes. It is not yet known what causes rosacea for sure. However, the following factors can increase your risk of developing rosacea, namely:

abnormalities in the facial blood vessels
microbes on the skin form H. pylori and Demodex folliculorum
light skin tone
a 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 a pimple.

4. Triggers

The difference between rosacea and acne furthermore is what triggers it. Rosacea is triggered by various things that trigger blood flow to the face. For example, heat, exercise, sunshine, wind, medication for hypertension, stress, and anxiety.

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

5. How to handle

Those of you who are prone to experiencing rosacea need to be careful to recognize the difference between this condition and regular acne. Because, the way to handle the two is not the same.

Rosacea can be treated with medication to relieve redness of the skin, antibiotics, isotretinoin, and therapy to shrink blood vessels in the face.

You can also massage the reddened part of the face to increase 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, and steroid injections.

Despite their very similar appearance and symptoms, rosacea and acne are two different conditions. You need to understand the difference so that you don't go wrong when treating it.

If you find a reddish rash on your face but are unsure of its type, try to consult a doctor.