Is There Really An Acne Rosacea?

Acne rosacea is a misleading term: rosacea and acne are two entirely different conditions, although they can and do appear together. Clogged skin pores and bacterial infections cause acne. Rosacea occurs when blood vessels move to just below the skin's surface, leading to blotchy red patches. These blotches fade and then return, becoming more permanent over time.

The blackheads, whiteheads and pimples associated with acne are not associated with rosacea. Red bumps called papules are. These papules are usually solid and hard. The papules range in size from small bumps that resemble the measles or chicken pox, all the way to larger, penny-shaped nodules. Left untreated, larger nodules can cause rhinophyma.

Many of the harsher products and treatments used in the treatment of acne can lead to the on set or progression of rosacea.