Archive for March 25, 2009

Millions of people suffer from skin problems on the face. The commonly familiar name is acne, pimples or blackheads. Skin rashes, pus filled eruptions, swelling and redness are some other symptoms associated with skin problems. However, these symptoms also overlap with those of rosacea that is a totally different skin condition. So you see, acne rosacea is not the name of one but two different diseases. Because of overlapping symptoms, not only patients but even doctors too get confused.

Symptoms of rosacea start typically with redness and swelling on the central part of the face. The nose cheeks and forehead are affected. These gradually increase over time and lead to pus filled eruptions as well. Pimples and blackheads are restricted to acne in their severe form.

One important difference between rosacea and acne is that acne primarily affects the teenage group and generally improves with age whereas rosacea typically affects people past middle age and does not improve with age.

Acne attacks all skin types whereas rosacea affects people from a typical area having white skin. However, like acne rosacea too affects a person’s image and self worth and social effects of acne are similar to that of rosacea.

Similarities also extend to the treatment arena. Both rosacea and acne are pretty difficult to cure but are not incurable. Like acne medicines over the counter treatments are effective but may lead to unwanted complications under self-instruction. Rosacea can be treated and controlled if medical advice is sought in the early stages. When left untreated, rosacea will get worse and may be more difficult to treat.

Qualified dermatologists may give oral antibiotics or suggest surgery if the disease has advanced, Laser assisted treatment is the requisite which a patient cannot know himself. Also natural treatments are also available for rosacea.