Two common skin problems: Rosacea or acne? This is how you separate the problems!

Rosacea is one of our most common skin diseases - but it can be difficult to recognize. Many people confuse the problems with regular acne, which can lead to using the wrong treatment or none at all. But the problems can be distinguished. Here we have developed the most common symptoms of rosacea and acne.

Rosacea and acne are two completely different skin problems. Despite this, the problems are often confused. That Rosacea is sometimes incorrectly called adult acne and that several of the symptoms are similar may explain the confusion.

Rosacea and acne

Rosacea

• Inflammatory skin disease that generally occurs in the middle of the face: nose, cheeks, forehead and chin.
• Common symptoms: redness, swelling, lumps and blisters. Tingling and itching also occur.

• The problems often start with a diffuse redness and superficial blood vessels in the affected area. It is also common with lumps, blisters and eye irritations.
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• May be aggravated by sun, heat, cold, wind, spices, alcohol, stress and skin creams.
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• Usually occurs in relapses.
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• Affects men and women of all ages but is more common in women. Often begins in the 30s to 40s. Unusual before the age of 20.

Acne

• Unlike rosacea, acne occurs all over the face, including the outside of the ears and neck and often on the back or chest.
• Common symptoms: blackheads, nodules and blisters.
• Acne is caused by inflammation of the sebaceous glands that produce sebum secretions.
• Lacks the typical deterioration factors found in rosacea.
• Most people with acne get better from the sun. Deterioration factors are less common (but some are made worse by, for example, fatty foods and chocolate).
• Debuts in adolescence and often disappears in the 20-25 age group. In about 20 percent of cases, acne persists into adulthood.

Rosazol - the first over-the-counter treatment for rosacea

Rosazol is the first over-the-counter drug for rosacea. Previously, all medical treatment was by prescription. Rosazol (metronidazole 1% cream) is an antibiotic that can help alleviate the inflammatory processes in a rosacea skin. Metronidazole cream has been developed by Swedish dermatologists and has been used with good results for the treatment of rosacea since the mid-80s. Studies show that eight out of ten users with rosacea are helped by the treatment. 1 Rosazol is sold without a prescription in pharmacies. People who suspect they have rosacea should be diagnosed by a doctor before starting treatment.


1. Wolf JE, Kerrouche N, Arsonnaud S. Efficacy and safety of once-daily metronidazole gel compared with twice daily azelaic acid 15% gel in the treatment of rosacea. Cutis 2006; 77: 3-11.

Rosazol 1% cream 25 g (metronidazole 1%) is an over-the-counter medicine used to treat rosacea.

Should only be used after consulting a doctor. A thin layer is applied to problem areas

1-2 times / day. Avoid getting cream in the eyes, and sunbathing the face 4 hours after treatment. Contact a doctor if sufficient effect is not achieved after 1 month. Read the package insert before use. Package size 25 g.