Rosacea and eczema are skin conditions that cause redness and swelling, but they differ in their characteristics. Rosacea occurs on the face and causes small bumps, while eczema can occur anywhere on the body and causes severe dry, itchy, and flaky skin. Both have unknown origins and similar treatments. Eczema mostly affects children, while rosacea affects adults, especially Caucasians with fair skin. Both are chronic conditions that require topical ointments and dietary changes.
Rosacea and eczema are both skin conditions that cause redness and swelling, but they are both very different in many of their other characteristics. Rosacea practically always occurs on the face, mainly on the cheeks, nose and forehead. It is often called adult acne because it causes small bumps to appear along with inflammation, redness, and prominent veins. Eczema may look similar, but it can occur anywhere on the body and is usually accompanied by severe dry, itchy, and flaky skin. They also affect different age groups, as rosacea mostly occurs in adults and eczema mostly affects children.
Both rosacea and eczema stem from unknown origins, and researchers still don’t fully understand the causes of either condition. Eczema is believed to be caused by a defect in the skin or immune system, but the underlying cause of rosacea remains a mystery. Both have similar treatments, including heavy hydration and dietary changes.
Eczema occurs in up to 85 percent of children, most of whom outgrow the condition by age three. One to two percent may deal with the condition for life. Rosacea is less common and onset usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. Females are more likely to experience both conditions.
Sometimes rosacea and eczema can be mistaken for each other by patients, but an experienced dermatologist can usually tell the difference just by looking at them. Both can appear red or inflamed, but eczema is normally drier and flaky while rosacea is patchy and usually darker in color. Neither can be spread through physical contact with others, although there is some evidence to suggest they are hereditary.
Another difference between rosacea and eczema is that anyone can be affected by eczema whereas rosacea mainly affects Caucasians with fair skin. Rosacea also generally has a few triggers that can cause symptoms to occur, such as hot drinks, sun exposure, and embarrassment. Eczema can also be triggered, usually by using certain products and sometimes certain foods. There is some evidence linking eczema to mild food allergies.
Both rosacea and eczema that occur in adults are chronic conditions, meaning that patients generally have to deal with them on and off throughout their lives. They usually experience periods of remission where the symptoms are less bothersome and sometimes the irritation may disappear altogether. Treatments generally include topical ointments to moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation. Dietary changes may also be needed if certain foods trigger symptoms.
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