Rosacea and eczema are two common skin conditions with similar symptoms, such as itching, bumps, and skin discoloration. However, some key differences can help tell them apart.
Eczema refers to a group of chronic skin conditions characterized by itchy, dry, and inflamed patches of skin that can appear anywhere on the body.
Rosacea is also a long-term skin condition, characterized by facial flushing (blushing) that usually affects the face. Sometimes, rosacea may cause small, fluid-filled bumps to form, which may resemble some symptoms of eczema.
Although there are some key differences to help you differentiate between both skin conditions, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms on your skin.
Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, treatments, and key differences between eczema and rosacea.
Here’s a quick look at how the facial symptoms of eczema and rosacea compare.
Eczema | Rosacea | |
---|---|---|
Skin discoloration | ✓ | ✓ |
Itching | ✓ | ✓ |
Silvery, white scales | ✓ | |
Visible blood vessels | ✓ | |
Solid, raised bumps | ✓ | ✓ |
Pus-filled bumps | ✓ | ✓ |
Flushing | ✓ | |
Dry skin | ✓ | ✓ |
Who do eczema and rosacea most commonly affect?
Eczema most commonly appears during childhood between ages 2 months and 5 years. Symptoms will usually go away for many people during adolescence.
However, eczema is a chronic condition, so symptoms can reappear at any point during your life. It’s also possible for eczema to appear for the first time during adulthood, though this is more rare.
Rosacea can also affect people of all age groups, but it most commonly affects adults ages 30 years and older, according to the National Rosacea Foundation. It’s uncommon in babies, children, and teens.
Eczema and rosacea are both chronic conditions that may flare up and recede over the course of years.
Some
Eczema is a group of skin conditions that may cause a variety of symptoms. In general, experts refer to eczema as an “
According to the American Dermatology Association (AAD), symptoms of eczema may include:
- dry, scaly, or cracked skin
- itching
- inflammation
- skin tenderness or warmth
- small bumps or blisters that may ooze and crust over
- thick, leathery skin (lichenification) from prolonged scratching
Another characteristic symptom of eczema is erythema, which refers to skin discoloration. In lighter skin tones, eczema rashes may appear red or pink. In darker skin tones, eczema may appear brown, gray, or purple.
Where does eczema appear on the body?
Eczema can occur all over your body, but where your symptoms appear may depend on your age.
Babies and infants most commonly experience symptoms of their cheeks, forehead, and scalp.
Children and adolescents may experience symptoms in:
- crook of the elbows
- back of the knees
- back of the neck
- stomach
- back
- chest
- eyelids
- around the mouth
The most common symptom of rosacea is flushing of the face, which is the rapid reddening of the skin. This can affect any part of your face, including:
- cheeks
- nose
- forehead
- chin
According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), rosacea flushing usually goes away after a few minutes. Eczema rashes, on the other hand, usually last a few days or even weeks.
Rosacea may also cause the small blood vessels on the central part of the face to swell. This makes them visible under the skin and can cause small bumps that resemble acne.
Other symptoms of rosacea may vary depending on the subtype. These may include:
- papulopustular rosacea, which may cause swollen, discolored bumps and pus-filled blisters
- ocular rosacea, which may cause watery, irritated, and bloodshot eyes
- phymatous rosacea, which may cause bumps, discoloration, and thickened skin on the nose, making it appear bulbous
It’s possible to experience multiple subtypes of rosacea.
Is seborrheic dermatitis the same as rosacea?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema that causes dry, flaky, and crusty patches of skin that could affect any part of your scalp and face, such as your:
- nose
- cheeks
- forehead
- eyebrows
- mouth
Although a seborrheic dermatitis rash may appear in similar places as rosacea, it could be differentiated because it’s often scaly, oily, crusty, and inflamed.
Rosacea, on the other hand, is more likely to present with skin discoloration, visible blood vessels, and rough skin bumps.
The exact causes of eczema and rosacea are not fully understood, but researchers have identified several factors that may contribute to both conditions.
Eczema is
- genetic mutations, such as filaggrin, ceramide synthase, and ABCA12
- contact with environmental irritants, such as soaps, detergents, insect bites, dust mites, and smoking
- stress and anxiety
- a weakened immune system, such as due to infection
Rosacea often runs in families, but the exact cause of this condition is unknown. Some possible causes
- overabundance of Demodex, a microscopic skin mite
- abnormal blood flow (neurovascular dysregulation)
- follicle irritation
- sun damage to the skin’s connective tissues
- contact with specific triggers, such as extreme temperatures, wind, spicy foods, alcohol, and exercise
There’s no cure for eczema or rosacea, but some home remedies and medical treatments could help you manage your symptoms.
Treatments for eczema will focus on managing inflammation and relieving itchiness by regularly moisturizing. This may include applying topical corticosteroids and limiting contact with irritants and triggers.
Treatments for rosacea also include regular moisturizing and avoiding triggers, such as soaps with fragrances and sunlight. However,
It’s important to work with a healthcare professional if you have eczema or rosacea. They could help develop the best treatment plan for you.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms of rosacea or eczema that are impacting your quality of life.
If left untreated, these conditions may lead to complications. For instance, eczema that oozes and cracks may become infected, while rosacea may lead to permanent scarring and skin discoloration.
In most cases, a doctor can provide a diagnosis of either skin condition based on a visual examination of your skin. They could also refer you to see a dermatologist for further testing and treatment, if necessary.
Eczema and rosacea are two chronic skin conditions that flare up and recede. Symptoms are often similar, such as itchy and discolored skin.
However, eczema usually causes dry, itchy, and scaly skin patches that last for a few days, while rosacea is more likely to cause flushing that may last a few minutes.
Consider speaking with a doctor if you experience symptoms. They could help develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.