We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Difference Between Rosacea and Dermatitis?

By Lumara Lee
Updated: Jan 29, 2024
Views: 16,551
Share

Rosacea and dermatitis are inflammatory skin diseases. Some of the symptoms are similar, and facial dermatitis might closely resemble rosacea, but there are a few differences. Only facial inflammation is involved in rosacea, and dermatitis can affect the skin anywhere on the body. Rosacea can affect the blood vessels close to the skin’s surface, causing the appearance of small, red lines, but dermatitis does not do this. Although rosacea and dermatitis might appear together, they are unrelated and require different treatments.

The most common symptoms of rosacea include flushed, rosy skin; visible veins; burning or stinging; a red, enlarged nose; and small facial bumps that resemble acne pimples. An advanced case of rosacea can affect the eyes and cause burning, grittiness, dryness and sensitivity to light. The cause of this skin disease is unknown, but it is believed that heredity and the environment are factors. Flare-ups might occur because of stress, temperature extremes, spicy foods, alcohol, sunlight and some medications.

There are various types of dermatitis, and it is believed that this skin disorder is also caused by genetic and environmental factors. A common type is contact dermatitis, which results when the skin comes in contact with a chemical to which the person is allergic. Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are the most common causes, but some other plants, metals, soaps, chlorine and other substances can also cause contact dermatitis. Symptoms include a rash with raised bumps or blisters, and itching, pain, swelling and tenderness also might occur.

Another type of dermatitis is seborrheic dermatitis, which is an inflammation of the oil glands. This skin disease can appear in the eyebrows, on the forehead, inside the ear, on the scalp and around the nose. When this disease occurs on an infant’s scalp, it is called cradle cap.

The most common symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are greasy or yellow patches of skin, flaky dandruff on the scalp and scaly patches that sometimes have a burning or itchy sensation. The exact cause of this condition hasn’t been determined, but experts believe that heredity and the environment play a role. Flare-ups might be caused by hormonal fluctuations, stress and extreme temperatures.

A dermatologist will be able to diagnose and treat rosacea and dermatitis. Although there are no cures for rosacea and dermatitis, the symptoms can be managed with medication. A person with these skin conditions can help prevent occurrences by avoiding the known triggers.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Related Articles

Discussion Comments
By bear78 — On Jul 27, 2013

I think rosacea and dermatitis are more similar than we realize because I've been diagnosed with both rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis by different doctors.

I've however come to the conclusion that I have rosacea because my skin worsens after exposure sunlight. If I had dermatitis, it wouldn't react so badly to sunlight.

By burcidi — On Jul 27, 2013

@simrin-- It's kind of difficult to answer this because doctors are still researching the causes of rosacea as well as causes of different types of contact dermatitis.

As far as I know, rosacea has to do with the immune system and some forms of dermatitis are also related to the immune system, like spongiotic dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis is mainly an allergic reaction which is an immune system reaction and a weak immune system does contribute to the chances of developing it.

So I think that the causes of rosacea and dermatitis can be inter-related, but they're not the same. Some of the treatments can be the same though. Some rosacea products and treatments contain the same ingredients that dermatitis treatments contain.

By SteamLouis — On Jul 26, 2013

Are rosacea symptoms caused by allergies, like contact dermatitis?

Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-rosacea-and-dermatitis.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.