Eczema vs. Rosacea
Is it rosacea or eczema? Another point of confusion regarding the diagnosis eczema is whether or not it may be a similar-looking skin condition called rosacea. Rosacea is actually an enlargement of the skin’s blood vessels, producing redness and a flushed appearance.
Differences in Causes
Eczema triggers come from environmental factors and are tied to genetics as well. Rosacea is sometimes brought on by menstruation in women, and may also be affected by drastic temperatures, high levels of stress, and some medications.
Differences in Appearance
Both eczema and rosacea produce an unwanted appearance. However, the actual appearance of eczema and rosacea reveal a difference. Eczema may appear in a variety of forms—itchy skin, scaly skin, blistering, red bumps, etc. Rosacea has only one appearance—redness. A closer look at rosacea reveals that the redness actually comes from the inflammation and enlargement of blood vessels very close to the surface of the skin. When you closely examine rosacea, it is sometimes possible to identify individual blood vessels that are close to the surface of the skin.
Difference in Symptoms
Rosacea occurs only on the face, while eczema can occur anywhere on the body. The most common places that eczema occurs are on the flexors (outer surface of elbows, and knees) and extremities (hands and feet). Rosacea is confined to the face, and in more severe cases, it affects the eyes.
Difference in Subjects
Nearly half of those who have eczema are under the age of six. With rosacea, nearly 100% of subjects are adults. Rosacea tends to affect more women then men.
Since rosacea and eczema are entirely different conditions, they should be treated in different ways.
