Acne Rosacea, Acne Vulgaris and Seborrheic Dermatitis
By the Editor | June 14, 2010
Acne rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis can easily be confused. In a few cases, all three conditions exist in the same patient.
Acne vulgaris is the medical term for outbreaks of pimples, pustules, bumps and blemishes. It is very common during a person’s teenage years, but rarely persists into adulthood.
Rosacea in adults is often mistaken as acne. Treatments like benzoyl peroxide are commonly recommended for acne, but will worsen rosacea.
Redness of the cheeks, nose and forehead are the primary symptoms of rosacea. Occasionally, the neck, chest, ears and scalp are affected.
When redness and flaking of the ears and scalp are present, it is often indicative of seborrheic dermatitis, rather than rosacea. But, that’s not always the case.
You may be able to see that diagnosing one or the other of these conditions can be difficult. Some dermatologists specialize in treating one, but not the other.
Looking at photographs in medical books or scientific journals is often not enough to make a clear diagnosis. Technological advancements have made diagnosis a little easier for some dermatologists.
A specialty referred to as Tele-dermatology has risen out of our advancements in telecommunication. Dermatologists are using the internet to exchange photos and medical information to make diagnosing a condition easier. It’s like getting a second opinion without leaving the office.
If you have been told that you suffer from acne rosacea, you might want to get a second opinion. The correct diagnosis may be Papulopustular rosacea. The symptoms include some permanent redness, a few red bumps and some pus-filled pimples that typically last for four days or less.
Seborrheic dermatitis looks a lot like rosacea, particularly in the beginning, before the appearance of white flaky patches. Lack of biotin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B2 are common causes of the condition.
All three conditions are accompanied by chronic inflammation. Dietary factors or irritating health and beauty aids may be the cause.
A good moisturizer with natural anti-inflammatory activity is beneficial for acne rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis. One of the most effective natural anti-inflammatories is an ingredient called Functional Keratin. If you suffer from any or all three of the conditions, it’s worth your while to look for it.
Topics: Acne, Skin Care, Skin Conditions, Skin MD Blog, Skin Treatments | No Comments »
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