What is the difference between Acne and Rosacea ?

What is the difference between Acne and Rosacea? We will explain in this article. Pharmacists and other health professionals regularly receive questions from patients who are undoubtedly confused when confronted with two resembling ailments. This is the case with those suffering from acne and rosacea. Given the fact that they both affect the face, telling the difference is sometimes a challenge. This is why it is important to understand the difference between the two to enable patients seek proper medical attention.

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One of the major differences between acne vulgaris and rosacea is the typical age of patients who contract the disease. Acne is more prevalent in teenagers and those who are in their early twenties. In sharp contrast, rosacea usually affects those over and above the age of thirty. Besides that, acne is more prevalent than rosacea. This explains why acne still remains the most common skin problem of all.

What is the main difference between acne vulgaris and acne rosacea ?

As far as causes are concerned, these two diseases are not similar in any way. Acne usually is as a result of the blockage of the skin’s pores. Rosacea on the other hand is a neurovascular problem that involves the swelling of the blood vessels found around the face. This results into red spots around the nose and cheek areas, something that is not typical in acne.

Blackheads, Whiteheads, or Red Bumps

There is an overall feature of bumps and pimples which appear on the skin. While this is common in both, acne patients however experience whiteheads or blackheads as well as pimples which are filled with pus. Rosacea patients on the other hand experience red bumps which are pus-free.

Acna and Rosacea Predilection

Acne patients do suffer from pimples which are prevalent around the neck, chest, and any other part of the body. Pimples in rosacea patients are mostly confined to the face area. Acne patients are also likely to suffer from permanent scars if they attempt to get rid of the pimples by popping them.

Is Blurred Vision a Symptom of Acne ?

Another notable difference between these two conditions is that rosacea do affect the eyes of the patient. Common eye rosacea symptoms include, but not limited to blurred vision, overly sensitive eyes and conjunctivitis. Acne, on the other hand, does not have any notable effects on the eyes.

Other differences between acne vulgaris and acne rosacea

Flushing is more prevalent in patients suffering from rosacea than in acne patients. However, even with that, not all patients record this problem and when they do, then they flush just like the general population.

Rosacea is a chronic disease which is common in people with very fair complexion. It also belongs to the group of acne called acne rosacea, while acne is generally known as acne vulgaris. This makes most patients suffer in silence without knowing what skin disease they are suffering from.

Given the fact that it is literally impossible to tell apart these two related skin conditions, it is important to understand the major differences to enable patients seek the right kind of medication. One way of keeping rosacea at bay is by using recommended rosacea soaps when bathing. These soaps are effective in reducing the effects and symptoms of the disease. Given the fact that it is an incurable disease, adopting a lifestyle change is important.

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