Acne Vs. Rosacea: How Are They Different?

Because the appearance of rosacea and acne are often similar, often the two conditions are confused for one another. Some believe that they are actually refer to the same condition. For this reason, it's important to understand the differences and similarities between the two. This is especially the case if you or someone you know is experiencing facial redness. While they are commonly mistaken for one another, the truth is they both have a variety of differences.

For example, one sign of acne is the appearance of comedones; however, this is not a symptom of rosacea. Comedones form when open hair follicles are clogged with dead skin cells, oil secretions, and occasionally bacteria. Also, blackheads are commonly associated with acne but not with rosacea.

On key difference between the two is that rosacea primarily occurs in adults ages 30-50, while acne is associated more with teenagers and younger adults. This alone can give a strong indication one way or another.

Location is another factor to evaluate when determining whether you are dealing with acne or rosacea. When redness is present mainly in the central region of the face, such as the chin, cheeks, nose, and forehead, it's likely to be rosacea. Acne tends to be more spread out throughout the face and even the body, including the back, neck, and arms.

Papules and are common symptoms of rosacea and acne. They are small, red bumps that are raised and are a sign of hair follicle infection or inflammation. However, pimples are much more noticeable with acne.

If you look closely enough, you might be able to tell the difference between the two. Rosacea is characterized primarily by redness and facial flushing, which is not the same as acne.

Cysts and nodules develop in acne and result in scars, while scarring is rare in rosacea.

So while the presence of red bumps could signal either condition, the main difference is whether underlying redness is present. If so, then it's far more likely to be rosacea.

Flushing is generally the first sign of rosacea, followed by persistent redness. Because inflammation is a part of both acne and rosacea, the treatment can be similar. However, some treatment that is used for acne is too strong for rosacea, and could aggravate it even more.

As you can see, there are quite a few differences. If location and age aren't strong indicators of the condition, then look to see whether it's redness or pimples that are the distinct characteristic. That should ultimately tell you one way or another whether its acne or rosacea.