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INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT FOR YOUR SKIN

Acne or Rosacea how can you tell ?

Acne or Rosacea how can you tell ?

Acne or rosacea are among the most common skin conditions and there seems to be an epidemic of men and women in their 30s and 40s and beyond who suddenly find themselves having to deal with a rash of red pimples that are marring a previously clear complexion.

As our medical director Dr Maria Gonzalez explains, many patients present at the Specialist Skin Clinic thinking they have acne but actually there are several skin conditions that present with a similar appearance and this can mean getting the correct diagnosis is less straightforward than you might think.

… “HOPE Acne or Rosacea how can you tell ?”…

Acne or rosacea ?

Rosacea is typically characterised by a red flush, but for many patients it can also present with painful, red bumps that look a lot like acne. One big difference can be the presence of comedones which are specific to acne. Comedones are visibly clogged pores that aren’t inflamed and are either open, so it appears as a blackhead, or closed, which means it will be white in the middle with a thin layer of skin over the top.

If you have a lot of open or closed comedones, or both, then you’re likely suffering from adult acne. However, if you have inflamed bumps, like pustules or cysts, then it can be slightly trickier to distinguish between acne or rosacea as they are a feature of both conditions.

Another possible difference between acne or rosacea conditions is when they present. Rosacea is often triggered by external factors which can result in flare-ups, whereas acne can be affected by hormonal fluctuations. So, ask yourself: does your skin get exacerbated after you’ve been out in hot sun or very cold weather, for example, or does it tend to worsen at certain times of the month?

Unfortunately, some patients can suffer from both acne and rosacea which can make it all the more confusing. Seeking out a skin expert such as a dermatologist is a must to get an accurate diagnosis.

Or is your red face due to something else entirely ?

Dr Maria also points out there’s a third, less well-known, skin condition that could also be the culprit. Perioral dermatitis is a condition that causes red bumps to appear on your chin and around your mouth and nose and is often confused with acne. However, slathering on over-the-counter acne creams isn’t going to help.

Perioral dermatitis commonly strikes women in their late teens and up to forties. Sometimes the spots can look scaly and cause a burning sensation which can often be a sign that it’s not acne. Often, perioral dermatitis is the result of using topical steroid creams to treat inflammatory skin conditions or the use of nasal steroids. Other triggers can include stress.

“The good news is that even though diagnosis can be challenging,” Dr Maria Gonzalez explains, “all three conditions respond very well to many of the same treatments, one of which is oral antibiotics.”

To find out what might be causing you to look red-faced, Call the Specialist Skin Clinic Today on 02920 617690 to arrange a consultation with one of our skin experts

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Specialist Skin Clinic
10 Penlline Road
Whitchurch
Cardiff
CF14 2AD

To book an appointment

T: 02920 617690

F: 02920 621209