Redness or Rosacea? Know the Difference, Solve the Problem

Redness-prone skin can be a source of distress for many people. As the symptoms of Rosacea and redness are often very similar, it can be quite confusing for sufferers to identify their skin issue. This is a crucial question and it is important to get the right diagnosis in order to get the right approach to treatment. If you suffer from redness or Rosacea, join us in this blog post as we investigate both conditions to provide guidance on the common identifying symptoms of each issue and offer solutions for the effective treatment of Rosacea.

Understanding Redness and Rosacea

The first thing to note is that skin redness is usually temporary and can be triggered by many factors, such as stress, exertion, embarrassment, certain types of food, or environmental factors. However, if you understand the root cause, you can deal with it effectively.

In contrast, permanent or recurring facial redness is characterised as Rosacea. It usually affects adults and occurs on the nose, cheeks, chin or forehead, where redness is often accompanied by visible blood vessels and sometimes small, red spots that may be filled with pus.

Both conditions may appear similar at first glance, but knowing the underlying factors is vital to applying the most effective treatment.

Symptoms of Redness

Redness can manifest in different forms depending on its cause. Below are some common symptoms associated with general redness:

• Flush: Sudden changes in temperature, hot, spicy foods or physical exertion are the most likely causes of flushed skin

• Irritation: Skin may feel sensitive or tender, accompanied by dryness or itching.

• Transient Appearance: This type of redness tends to disappear almost as fast as it appears, adapting quickly to environmental or situational triggers.

All of the above symptoms are most likely the result of your skin reacting to an external factor rather than an indication of a condition like Rosacea.

Symptoms of Rosacea

To tackle Rosacea successfully, we must first diagnose the condition correctly. That means recognising the common symptoms associated with Rosacea:

• Persistent Redness: A central feature of Rosacea, this redness lasts longer than typical flushing.

• Visible Blood Vessels: These may appear as small, red lines under the skin, especially on the cheeks and nose.

• Bumps and Pustules: Unlike acne, these bumps can be red and may resemble a teenage acne breakout.

• Stinging Sensation: Rosacea sufferers often report that the affected areas feel as though they are burning.

• Thickened Skin: In severe cases, the skin, particularly on the nose, may become thickened, a condition known as rhinophyma.

There are four different types of Rosacea including Ocular Rosacea which, as the name suggests, affects the eye area. If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, it is vital to book a consultation with a skin expert or dermatologist to correctly diagnose whether you have Rosacea and, if so, what type. Note that early intervention with the right treatment plan will help you manage the symptoms and can prevent the condition from becoming worse in the long-term.

Causes of Rosacea:

Scientists have not yet pinpointed any one cause in particular, however theories abound and generally focus on the following possibilities:

• Demodex: these are microscopic mites that live in our skin and live off our dead skin cells. While that may sound disgusting, it is perfectly normal. The problem arises when there is a much higher number of mites living on the skin. Studies have shown that this is the case with Rosacea sufferers indicating that the condition may be demodex-linked.

• Bacteria: in this case, the theory is that it is the bacteria living within the demodex that cause the skin to react with Rosacea.

• Genetics: Rosacea has a tendency to run in families.

• Diet: this theory has been advanced by the fact that numerous studies indicate an improvement in the condition when sufferers eliminate certain foods.

How to Differentiate Between Redness and Rosacea

Distinguishing between simple redness and Rosacea is crucial for devising an appropriate treatment plan. Observing the duration and accompanying symptoms can help with this differentiation.

1. Duration: If redness subsides shortly after the trigger is removed, it is likely not Rosacea. Rosacea symptoms often persist for hours or even days.

2. Location: While general redness can occur anywhere on the body, Rosacea primarily affects the face.

3. Accompanying Features: The presence of swelling, bumps, flushing, skin sensitivity and/or visible blood vessels leans toward a diagnosis of Rosacea rather than mere redness.

   
   

Recognising these differences is the first step in seeking effective treatments and management strategies.

Treatments and Management Strategies

For General Redness

• Pinpointing the Triggers: It is a good idea to keep a daily journal to track when your skin becomes red and to note changes that may occur after eating certain foods, exposure to different temperatures, or use of certain products.

• Skincare Regimen: To minimise irritation, use gentle cleansers and moisturisers. We also advise against harsh scrubs or products containing alcohol.

• Sunscreen: Applying a sunscreen with Factor 50 is one of our mantras at The Otto Clinic. Apart from protecting your skin from redness caused by the sun, it will help your skin age better. Everybody should use sunscreen throughout the year, even during winter months!

  
  

For Rosacea

• Consult a Dermatologist: Proper diagnosis is the key to success. In addition to a thorough examination, a dermatologist can recommend topical treatments to manage symptoms.

• Lifestyle Changes: Avoid the things that trigger breakouts, such as spicy foods, alcohol, and extreme heat or cold temperatures. Keep a daily journal of triggers and symptoms. Consider learning stress management techniques.

• Cosmetic Products: There are a number of green-tinted cosmetic products on the market that neutralise the appearance of redness. Look for products designed for sensitive skin. Above all, search for non-comedogenic products that do not block your pores to avoid flare-ups.

• Antibiotic Creams: In consultation with your doctor and/or a dermatologist, try a prescription, anti-parasitic cream that contains Ivermectin.

• Laser Treatments: Broadband Light laser treatments can be used on Rosacea to reduce redness and blood vessels - it works by gently heating the deeper layers of your skin, removing blood vessels and pigmentation while also stimulating Collagen production.

• Consistent Skin Care Regime: This is really important in order to improve the condition and also goes some way towards preventing break-outs. The cornerstones of a good, regular skin care regime are:

  • Use gentle products (i.e. no alcohol-based products or harsh exfoliants) - you are dealing with sensitive skin so this applies to the products you use daily, how you clean, touch and massage your skin and how you use any skin devices.

  • Look for products with ingredients designed to reduce redness, e.g. liquorice root, panthenol and green tea extract.

  • Apply minimum of SPF30 every day - sunlight exposure can cause fine thread veins to appear on your skin and these will make your skin flush even more, so in this case prevention is definitely better than cure!

    
    

Key Takeaways:

When you understand what causes a skin condition, it becomes so much easier to treat it successfully. Knowing the difference between skin redness and Rosacea is crucial in choosing the best treatment strategy. If you suspect you have Rosacea, the first step is to get a diagnosis from a dermatologist.

Once you have the correct diagnosis, the next step is to note the various triggers and track the symptoms and duration of breakouts. Keeping a daily journal of changes in your skin condition is enormously helpful and will enable you to plan a skin care routine that works!

Finally, sticking to a consistent daily skincare routine and avoiding potential triggers will enable you to manage the condition effectively and significantly improve skin health.

Remember that ongoing redness or Rosacea requires attention and care, but it is never too late to prioritise your skin health!  

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can Rosacea be Cured?

Unfortunately there is no cure for Rosacea yet despite several scientific studies of the condition. As we have outlined in this article, the best way to reduce Rosacea flare-ups is to identify the condition, your triggers and implement a consistent skin care and dietary regime

Can I Use Make-up to Cover My Rosacea?

When Should I Seek Expert Help?

How Will A Dermatologist Diagnose Rosacea?