Facial Eruptions Mimic Acne

Many facial eruptions mimic acne. The treatment of these are different from those of acne. Hence it is important for you to be aware of some of these diseases.

Facial Eruptions that Mimic Acne:Acne Rosacea.

Acne Rosacea is often mistaken for acne vulgaris. Actually the 'acne' in acne rosacea is a misnomer. The cause and pathophysiology of rosacea is completely different from acne and the treatment is also different.

Read more about rosacea.

Facial Eruptions Mimic Acne: Acne Cosmetica.

Any oil or lanolin containing cosmetic can produce acne like eruptions on the face of individuals with acne prone skin. These develop as itchy red bumps on the areas where the application was done. It can develop at any age. The eruptions may be a result of direct irritation, contact sensitivity or blocking of the pores. If you are getting acne like eruptions after using any cosmetic product, stop it and choose products labeled non-comedogenic. Remember though, non-comedogenic may also cause contact sensitivity in sensitive individuals.

Facial Eruptions that Mimic Acne: Dandruff (or Seborrheic Dermatitis).

As the basic hormonal causes of both acne and dandruff are same, both these conditions co exist most of the time. When dandruff is severe, the scales can clog the pores and produce papular eruptions. In addition, pustular folliculitis, or inflammation of hair follicles can also occur on the scalp and forehead due to pityrosporum ovale, the causative fungus of dandruff. These lesions can mimic acne.

Facial Eruptions that Mimic Acne:Contact Allergy

Contact allergy to dust, chemicals, detergents etc, can cause lesions that mimic acne on the face and body. These causes more itchiness and reddish bumps than acne lesions.


Facial Eruptions Mimic Acne:Epidermal Cysts.

These are small white cysts, which contain soft, cheesy material inside. Usually harmless, do not get infected and do not cause scars. Large, cysts, if manipulated, can get infected and heal with scarring.

Facial Eruptions Mimic Acne:Milia.

These are similar to epidermal cysts. Appear as tiny, white bumps mostly around eyes. Smaller lesions are best left alone. If larger, may be excised easily.

Facial Eruptions Mimic Acne:Facial Angiofibroma.

• These present as firm, dome shaped, skin colored 1-2 mm or larger papules.
• Usual distribution: nose, cheeks and neck.
• Family History present. Usual onset in adulthood.
• Associated with genetic diseases like tuberous sclerosis, Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1(MEN1).
• Treatment
  • Do not respond to topical and antibiotic therapy like acne vulgaris.
  • Surgical (shave excision), laser or cryo removal is preferred.

Facial Eruptions Mimic Acne:Favre-Racouchet Syndrome.

This is caused by progressive sun damage over the years known as solar elastosis and is typically seen in persons above the age of 50. There are multiple grouped comedones, mainly blackheads around the eyes and cheeks. Unlike acne blackheads, they do not regress spontaneously. Topical retinoids and surgical excision are the treatment of choice

Facial Eruptions Mimic Acne:Keratosis Pilaris

• Seen in adolescents
• Characterized by patches of small, painless, red or dark bumps with spiny projections on the arms, shoulders, buttocks and thighs. Rarely may be seen on face and forehead, when it is difficult to differentiate from acne.
• More severe during winter
• Thought to be due to a combined deficiency of Vitamin A, B Complex and Essential Fatty Acids.
• Treatment is with vitamin supplements, topical retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids.

Facial Eruptions Mimic Acne:Peri-Oral Dermatitis

This mainly affects women in their 3rd and 4th decade of life. There are itchy, reddish eruptions around the lips and nose. Usually aggravated by steroid applications.

Facial Eruptions Mimic Acne: Sycosis barbae or Pseudofolliculitis barbae

These present as acne like bumps on the beard. Typically seen in negroid males with curly hairs. The hair, when it regrows, get trapped inside forming inflammatory lesions due to irritation and secondary infection.

Back from Facial Eruptions Mimic Acne to Home page