Although frequently mis-diagnosed as acne, Rosacea is not actually acne. Rosacea frequently appears as a red rash on the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead. Because the redness is often accompanied with symptoms similar to acne ( pimples, bumps and blemishes), it is frequently mistaken for acne. Because treatments usually differ for treating Rosacea and acne, it is important to know which type of skin condition is affecting you. Some acne treatments can actually make Rosacea worse. When dealing with Rosacea, it is of benefit to be aware of some of the myths associated with it.
Your diet causes rosacea -- FICTION!
Studies have shown that diet has no direct effect on any kind of acne. Therefore, chocolate, french fries, peanuts, oil, sugar, etc. will not lead to acne rosacea. However, they could trigger an allergic reaction that could, for example, exacerbate allergies associated with the condition.
Acne in teenagers will lead to rosacea in adulthood -- FICTION!
Although rosacea is sometimes called adult acne, no link has been found between rosacea and teenage acne (most commonly acne vulgaris). Rosacea is primarily a condition of the vascular system, where blood rushes to the face, while teenage acne is mainly a skin pore and bacterial condition. Moreover, it is possible to experience both conditions simultaneously.
Rosacea is caused by too much alcohol intake -- FICTION!
Since alcohol affects the flow of blood, and rosacea is indeed a vascular condition, drinking alcohol may cause flare-ups in the rosacea sufferer, complicating symptoms to which the sufferer is already predisposed. However, heavy drinking, even on a daily basis, will not cause acne rosacea; nor does having rosacea mean that the person is an alcoholic.
The same products can always be used for both rosacea and acne cure -- FICTION!
Since rosacea has mainly to do with dilated blood vessels, common acne medications that target bacteria (antibiotics), sebum production (retinoids), and abnormal shedding of skin cells (salicylic acid), will most likely not be suitable for acne rosacea skin care. One of the best skin care products for rosacea and acne is topical niacinamide, present in such products as Acnessential (a 4% Niacinamide cream), which reduces inflammation while being gentle enough on sensitive skin so as not to cause irritation and redness.
Acne and Rosacea is contagious -- FICTION!
Acne, no matter the kind, cannot be transmitted from one individual to the next. Rosacea, in particular (although it is true for all kinds of acne), is not caused by dirt or germs but by a vascular condition. There is no such thing as rosacea bacteria than can be transferred by a rosacea sufferer. However, bacteria may indeed complicate papules and other lesions associated with rosacea.
