Symptomatic differentiation from rosacea
Sometimes acne is confused with other skin disease, because they nearly have the same symptoms. A common confused condition is rosacea. Rosacea is also a chronic inflammatory condition and is just as common as acne. However, it is characterized by flushed facial skin that is remarkably different from that seen in acne. This sunburn like condition is triggered by certain factors like alcohol, excessive intake of spicy foods, exposure to the sun, excessive caffeine, emotional peaks. It is characterized by the following conditions, which also happen to distinguish it from acne:
- Visible blood vessels on face: Patches of erythematous, roughened skin that occurs on cheeks, chin, nose or eyelids. It is unlike acne redness that is localized to the base of a pimple.
- Pimple and pustules: small bumps and pimples are seen in rosacea.
- Itchiness: itchiness on the facial skin is a feature of rosacea and is uncommon in acne.
- Eye irritation: rosacea involves eyelids and cause irritation in the eyes. It is not a feature of acne.
- Skin warmth: the facial skin in rosacea feels warm due to the dilated blood vessels underlying the condition.
- Facial edema: swollen appearance of the skin is also a feature of rosacea, and not acne.
Unlike acne, rosacea mostly affects people above the mark of 30 years of age. It involves focal areas on the face, while acne can occur on shoulders, back or buttocks in preteens and adolescents, or pregnant women. Rosacea can also be distinguished by a measure of oiliness of skin. Oily skin is a common manifestation in cane and not rosacea.