DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only. If you have any medical concerns, please consult your doctor.
Having skin conditions, especially those that appear on the face, can take a toll on your self-esteem. It can even be more frustrating if you don’t know what kind of skin condition you have. If you find that you suddenly have red or dark spots on your face, it can be a cause for worry.
Rosacea and hyperpigmentation are common skin conditions that can affect anyone. The difference between rosacea and hyperpigmentation is easy to tell. Rosacea causes blushing or flushing while hyperpigmentation causes dark spots to appear on the skin.
In this article, we will be talking about what hyperpigmentation and rosacea are. We will also talk about their causes and possible treatments to reduce their symptoms.
What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a common skin condition that typically affects the cheeks, forehead, and nose. Rosacea causes blood vessels to appear on the affected area which makes the skin blush or flush. This condition commonly affects fair-skinned people but it can also affect those who have darker skin tones. There are four types of rosacea and the symptoms will depend on the type.
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea
This type of rosacea will cause blushing or visible blood vessels on the face. This condition comes and goes but it can also leave persistent facial erythema or redness on the face.
Papulopustular rosacea
This type of rosacea causes small, pus-filled bumps (whitehead pustules) to appear on your face. Most people mistakenly think of this as acne as they do look alike. But, with acne rosacea, facial redness and flushing can also occur along with the pustules.
Phymatous rosacea
This skin condition typically affects the nose and makes the skin thick, swollen, and discolored. Scarring around the affected area is also common and mostly affects men than women.
Ocular Rosacea
This type of rosacea primarily affects the eyes. This causes the eyes to be irritated, watery, and bloodshot. In some instances, it can also cause the eyes to be sensitive and dry.
Causes Of Rosacea
There is no direct cause of rosacea but there are several factors that can trigger rosacea. Here are some of them:
– Spicy foods
– Alcohol (wine, etc.)
– Sun Exposure
– Stress
– Hot or cold weather
– Cosmetic or skincare products
Rosacea Treatment
Using mild skin care products can prevent rosacea symptoms from flaring up. When using over-the-counter (OTC) products, make sure to look for rosacea-friendly ingredients such as azelaic acid, niacinamide, and aloe vera. These ingredients can help in treating rosacea by soothing and calming the redness on your face.
Consulting your dermatologist is essential as they can recommend procedures such as laser treatment or intense pulsed light therapy to keep your rosacea at bay. Rosacea will not go away on its own. If it is not treated, it can get worse and damage your skin.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is also a skin condition but it causes some patches of the skin to become darker. Unlike rosacea, hyperpigmentation does not only affect the face. It can also affect other areas of the body. Uneven skin pigmentation can occur in small or large patches and can also affect the entire body. Like rosacea, there are also several types of hyperpigmentation.
Melasma
This type of hyperpigmentation commonly affects the cheeks, chin, nose, forehead, and upper lips. Melasma can appear as light brown, dark brown, or even blue-gray patches on your face. It can also look like freckles and are often called “masks of pregnancy” as this condition typically affects pregnant women.
Sunspots
Sunspots, or brown spots, are caused by prolonged sun exposure. These are small, darker patches that can appear on the arms, face, and hands. Sunspots are smooth to the touch and are patches that are flat on the skin.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
This type of hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces extra melanin after an inflammatory condition. This leaves dark spots on the skin and typically occurs after the acne has healed. This condition can happen anywhere in the body.
Causes Of Hyperpigmentation
There are several causes of hyperpigmentation and it also depends on the type you have. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by prolonged sun exposure, skin inflammation, certain medical conditions, and even reactions to medication and drug use. Melasma can also be caused by pregnancy which is why it is seen in females more.
Hyperpigmentation Treatment
There are several treatments for skin pigmentation disorders. There are OTC medications available but a dermatologist can also recommend a clinical procedure to reduce the dark spots on your skin. OTC medications such as skin or face acids can help exfoliate and shed the top layer of the skin. Retinoids can also be used but make sure to consult with your doctor first as retinoids can cause skin irritation.
Chemical peel, laser peel, and light therapy are some of the procedures that can be done to treat hyperpigmentation. Consulting your dermatologist will give you the best treatment option for the type of hyperpigmentation you have.
Wrap Up
Rosacea and hyperpigmentation are two different skin conditions that can affect anyone. Rosacea causes blood vessels to appear on your face while hyperpigmentation causes your skin to have dark spots. Another difference between these two is that rosacea mostly affects the face while hyperpigmentation can affect the entire body.
If you have any skin conditions, it is best to talk to your doctor so they can give you the best treatment. If you have any other questions, let us know via the contact form on our website!
