Is It Rosacea Or Just Redness?

Skin disorders vary in severity and can be temporary or permanent. Common skin issues include acne, pimples, and redness, which may present as painful or painless. While some skin issues may have genetic causes, most have situational causes and can easily be treated, provided you go to a qualified dermatologist.

Most skin conditions are minor, but others are more serious and can be life-threatening. You might think the pimples, acne, or redness of your skin is a minor condition and ignore it only to realize you are suffering from a serious skin disorder. A condition like rosacea is characterized by redness of the skin. Might you have it while thinking it’s just acne? Let’s dig deeper so you can differentiate.

What is Rosacea?

This is a common chronic skin condition that causes inflammation of the skin, redness on the cheeks, chin, forehead, and nose. The redness can look like little red blood vessels running down your nose or cheeks, while the inflammation may pop up as pimple-like bumps that don’t go away. Though the skin disorder is common in those aged 30 to 60, anyone can be affected.

Fortunately, the condition isn’t life-threatening, especially if treated immediately. However, it can worsen if left untreated resulting in a lot of discomforts. Women are more prone to the disorder compared to men. However, the condition is likely to be more severe in men.

It’s easy to mistake rosacea for acne as it simply resembles acne or a sunburn. Besides, some symptoms are the same, making it more difficult to differentiate. However, if you are keen, you might tell the difference since the redness is subtly different. The redness covers a larger region of the cheek or forehead – it can even cover the entire forehead. On the other hand, the redness in acne is mostly isolated to the lump or pimple. Besides, acne appears as blackheads or whiteheads and sometimes hard lumps in severe cases.

Symptoms to watch out for

1. Redness

Persistent facial redness is not something to ignore. While you may think it’s not serious, watch out for that sunburn-like redness and seek a medical opinion before it’s too late. The redness may even come while you have not been in the sun, and even if you have, it shouldn’t be that persistent. If you notice this, it’s time to consult your dermatologist.

2. Flushing

Flushing is a common symptom and often the earliest sign when the condition is kicking in. whether it’s in your entire face or some areas, you most likely will experience it if you are suffering from rosacea. However, flushing once in a while, especially when you have an emotional reaction, should not be a concern.

3. Hyper-sensitivity to the face

Hypersensitivity is very uncomfortable, and though it may be for other different reasons, it is associated with this chronic skin disorder. It may be itching, irritation or burning, but whichever the case, be sure to consult an expert.

4. Pimples

Small red bumps or even pus-filled pimples on your skin should be a cause for alarm. While the blemish may resemble acne at first, watch out if they leave as there most likely won’t be blackheads as in acne. It might be hard to differentiate as other disorders like hormonal acne may present the blemish, so it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist.

5. Increased blood vessel visibility

We are used to a vein-popping on the neck or forehead when one is yelling, but this is very different from that. With rosacea, you might notice the capillaries whether you are yelling or not. They are more visible on the cheeks and nose and look like clusters of thin dark lines.

6. Burning sensation of the eyes

A stinging or burning sensation in your eyes is another symptom to watch out for. Though not all patients experience it, it is linked to rosacea, so don’t be surprised when your eyes burn.

7. Conjunctivitis or facial swelling

If you are constantly experiencing facial swelling, you should get an expert opinion to check if you are suffering from a skin condition. It may be painful or painless, but whichever the case, consult your dermatologist.