Do I Have Rosacea or Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis are two common skin conditions associated with inflammation, redness and itching. This is one of the reasons why they are often confusing to differentiate. While they have been known to occur in synergy with one another, there are actually a handful of important disparities to note.
This is why those who are seeking professional rosacea treatment should be aware of how each is diagnosed. Let us look at these conditions in greater detail.
The Symptoms of Rosacea
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition which usually affects the visible blood vessels of the skin. Blood vessels that have become more visible, a stinging sensation and pronounced pustules may also be present.
One of the most notable symptoms is a red and enlarged nose called rhinophyma, this is the last stage of the disease (Andrew Carnegie suffered from this).
One of the most confusing factors is that seborrheic dermatitis will often present clinically similar to rosacea. It can also occur on the same parts of the body (namely the face).
Having said this, there are some key differences to spot. A handful of symptoms which can be used to diagnose this condition include:
- Greasy or yellow scaly patches.
- An excess of dandruff.
One of the ways in which a dermatologist will differentiate between the two is where the patches appear. Seborrheic dermatitis is more common in specific facial regions such as the scalp, eyebrows, ear canals, and the skin around the periphery of the nose.
However, one of the most important indicators that rosacea can be ruled out is that seborrheic dermatitis is not associated with any type of acne-like pustules.
Using a Specialist to Obtain an Accurate Diagnosis
A final confounding factor is that up to 28 per cent of those who have been diagnosed with rosacea will also have Seborrheic Dermatitis. This is why obtaining the opinion of a trained professional is extremely important.
While the conditions might not be eliminated altogether, there are several effective techniques which can be used to manage and mitigate their outer appearance.
Do you suspect that you might be suffering from one or both of these conditions? If so, do not hesitate to contact a professional at UK Dermatologist. We will help to take the guesswork out of the equation.