There’s a reason people often refer to rosacea as adult acne. That’s because this disorder can cause tiny pimple-like breakouts. However, acne and rosacea are two different skin conditions. That also means they have very different causes and courses of treatment. And, if you’re having skin problems as an adult, rosacea is likely to blame.
If you’re struggling with acne or rosacea, Juan-Carlos Caballero, MD, of Warrenton Dermatology & Skin Therapy Center in Warrenton, Virginia, can help. He specializes in all aspects of dermatological health and can get to the bottom of your symptoms, so you can get the treatment you need to improve your skin and overall well-being.
Most of us have had a zit, blackhead, or pimple at some point in our lives, especially during our teenage years. Those blemishes, known as acne, develop when a hair follicle gets clogged with oils and dead skin. The “spot,” comedone, or pustule forms because of the resulting inflammation.
Other signs of acne include:
Several factors increase your chances of developing acne, ranging from bacterial growth to genetics and fluctuating hormones. As a result, it’s common to see acne in tweens and teens, but anyone can have the condition at any age.
Unlike acne, the skin changes seen with rosacea occur in response to an overactive immune system, environmental factors, genetics, or all of the above. And, while they can trigger small, pus-filled bumps, this skin condition usually leads to flushing, blushing, reddening, and visible blood vessels in the face.
Additional signs of rosacea include:
In most cases, people usually experience rosacea after turning 30. It’s also most common in middle-aged women with fair skin. However, it can affect anyone at any age.
Since acne and rosacea breakouts occur for different reasons, the first step to easing your symptoms involves getting an accurate diagnosis from a Board-Certified Dermatologist, like Dr. Caballero.
Not only can it be tricky to spot the differences between acne and skin conditions like rosacea, but you could have a combination of the two problems — or another disorder altogether. On top of that, developing your own course of treatment can worsen your symptoms, especially if you have sensitive skin from rosacea. Similarly, improper cleansing to manage acne may actually exacerbate your breakouts and increase your risk for scarring.
Instead, Dr. Caballero and his team of dermatology specialists can save you time, heartache, and skin irritation by identifying what’s behind your symptoms. Then, they can outline a personalized treatment strategy to reduce your flare-ups and improve your skin’s health and appearance.
If you have skin issues, Dr. Caballero and his team can help. To learn more, call 540-341-1900 or request an appointment online with Warrenton Dermatology & Skin Therapy Center today.
