Although rosecea is commonly known as acne rosecea, it is not actually acne. The symptoms are similar to acne and are frequently mistaken for it (both conditions can have pimples and bumps but with rosecea there are no blackheads and whiteheads).

Because treatments for both these conditions differ and can adversely affect recovery, it is important to know which type of complaint actually affects you.

Some rosecea myths are:

If you have acne as a teenager you will get rosecea as an adult – WRONG!
Rosecea is often referred to as adult acne but there is no direct link between the two conditions, Rosecea is a vascular condition where blood rushes to the face and acne is a bacterial/skin pore condition

Acne rosecea is contagious – WRONG!
Neither rosecea or acne can be transmitted from person to person. Bacteria on the individual’s face can complicate and worsen both acne or rosecea but its far from contagious.

What you eat causes rosecea – WRONG!
Research has shown that what you eat has no direct influence on any type of acne or rosecea. However toxins or allergies in foods can trigger outbreaks.

Skin bacteria on their own do not cause acne. However acne causing bacteria could be defined as the bacteria called Propionbacterium acnes (P. Acnes) which lives on all skin types and is part of the skin’s natural maintenance system.

When a follicle is clogged, this acne causing bacteria multiplies and causing a chemical reaction that results in inflammation and spots. Acne treatments are designed to fight this bacteria and reduce inflammation by decreasing oil production and cleansing the pores.

Also when several types of bacteria are trapped underneath the skin, they can react with sebum and break down into free fatty acids resulting in damage and inflammation in the deeper parts of the skin.

The first signs of this are redness and swelling. Within 3 days of this inflammation starting, white blood cells start attacking the bacteria and try to get them out the body. This is how pustules are formed and develop.