Are you struggling with facial redness? If so, then you might be dealing with a medical condition. Both rosacea and lupus can cause a red rash to form across a patient’s cheeks. With a proper diagnosis, your doctor can help you reduce your facial redness for clear, healthy skin. So are you dealing with rosacea or lupus– or another issue entirely? Read on to learn more about these conditions.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes red bumps to form on a person’s skin. It’s usually just found on the face, and typically appears in a “blushing” pattern across a patient’s cheeks and nose. There are different types of rosacea, and each have slightly different symptoms.
What is Lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect many different parts of the body. However, many patients know lupus for the trademark facial rash that many patients get. This rash- often called a butterfly rash- causes redness to form in a butterfly-shaped pattern across the cheeks and nose.
Is My Redness Rosacea or Lupus?
Lupus and rosacea can both cause facial redness. However, the similarities end there. Rosacea only affects a patient’s skin or eyes, and does not produce other symptoms. On the other hand, lupus can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, swelling, and hair loss. Pay close attention to your symptoms so you can discuss them with your doctor. This can help them make the right diagnosis.
Other Common Culprits
Other conditions can cause facial redness as well. For instance, acne, allergies, and eczema are all common causes. Sometimes, simple irritation might also be causing your redness. Try switching to gentle cleansers and skin products and see if you notice a difference. Also check your makeup products. Often, they can have irritating ingredients that cause skin issues. Your doctor can help you determine the exact cause of your redness.
Talk to a Dermatologist
If you think you have rosacea or lupus, then give us a call. Care Dermatology can diagnose and treat your skin condition. We can also evaluate your overall skin health to help you prevent redness in the long run.
FAQs
Lupus and rosacea can both cause facial redness. However, the similarities end there. Rosacea only affects a patient's skin or eyes, and does not produce other symptoms. On the other hand, lupus can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, swelling, and hair loss.
Can a dermatologist tell the difference between rosacea and lupus? ›
Like rosacea, lupus sufferers often have redness across the central portion of the face, often in a butterfly pattern. Although both rashes can be smooth in texture, especially in early rosacea, the presence of bumps and pimples, which rarely occur in a lupus flare, may help differentiate the two diseases.
Is my red face lupus? ›
A typical sign of lupus is a red, butterfly-shaped rash over your cheeks and nose, often following exposure to sunlight.
Can you have rosacea without lupus? ›
While lupus and rosacea are both inflammatory diseases that can cause rashes and redness on the face, they are distinctly different. Rosacea affects the skin, while lupus is a systemic (whole-body) disease. Diagnosis requires a careful review of symptoms and various tests to rule out other conditions.
Is my face just red or do I have rosacea? ›
If your face is constantly red, it may be a sign of rosacea. You might be told it's because of your lineage or genetics, but the reality is it could be a skin disorder like rosacea. Persistent facial redness might look like a sunburn that won't go away, even if you haven't been in the sun lately.
What is the difference between lupus cheeks and rosacea? ›
Appearance: Lupus rash often appears as a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, and can be raised, scaly, and reddish-purple in color. Rosacea, on the other hand, usually appears as redness, visible blood vessels, and bumps or pimples on the face.
Can a dermatologist confirm lupus? ›
Biopsy. A dermatologist may need more information to confirm that you have cutaneous lupus rather than another skin condition, such as rosacea or psoriasis, which cause similar symptoms. He or she may perform a skin biopsy by removing a small piece of affected skin and sending it to a laboratory for testing.
Why did I suddenly develop rosacea? ›
The cause of rosacea is not known. It could be due to genetics, an overactive immune system or things in your daily life. Rosacea is not caused by poor hygiene, and you can't catch it from other people.
What is often misdiagnosed as rosacea? ›
There are many different types of dermatitis, but the two most commonly confused with rosacea are seborrheic dermatitis and eczema. Eczema is a type of dermatitis which can occur anywhere on the body.
What autoimmune is linked to rosacea? ›
Rosacea may be associated with high thyroid autoantibodies, prolactin and CRP levels, in which immune-endocrine interactions are important.
Many things can turn our faces red, including sunburn, acne, and hot flashes. Here are 10 less obvious reasons for seeing a red face when you look in the mirror. Seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes a red rash, which often appears on the face.
Why are my cheeks red but not rosacea? ›
It may be due to a plethora of distinct underlying conditions of varying severity, including rosacea, demodicosis, dermatomyositis, lupus erythematosus, allergic contact dermatitis, drug-induced erythema, and emotional blushing.
How does a dermatologist treat rosacea? ›
Options include antibiotic therapy, laser therapy, and surgery. The most common treatments are topical and oral antibiotics. It is important to learn what triggers your rosacea. If you avoid triggers, you can flare-ups.
Does rosacea mean you have lupus? ›
While both rosacea and lupus can present with a bright red rash over the cheeks and nose, there are distinct differences between the two diseases when symptoms are more closely examined. Rosacea is an inflammatory skin disease whereas lupus is an autoimmune disease.
Can rosacea cause a positive ANA test? ›
Elevated ANA titers are commonly found in rosacea patients, what with simultaneously existing facial erythema and photosensitivity might lead to misdiagnosis of lupus erythematosus. Clinicians should beware of these findings to avoid misdiagnosing lupus erythematosus in rosacea patients with elevated ANA titers.
How does a dermatologist diagnose rosacea? ›
A dermatologist diagnoses rosacea by examining your skin and eyes. Because signs of rosacea can come and go, your dermatologist will also ask you questions. Sometimes, testing is necessary to rule out another condition like lupus, which can also cause a long-lasting color change to the face.
