Skin conditions
Not everything that looks like acne is acne. These guides cover common skin conditions people mix up with it: what each one is, what’s known about what sets it off, where to read about treatment, and how to track it with SkinTheory. They’re a starting point for your own research and a conversation with a doctor, not a diagnosis.
Rosacea
Rosacea: what it is, how it differs from acne, and how to track it
Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that causes flushing, redness and acne-like bumps on the central face. It can't be cured, but it can be controlled.
Perioral dermatitis
Perioral dermatitis: what it is, how it differs from acne, and how to track it
Perioral dermatitis is a rash of small red bumps around the mouth, often set off by steroid creams or heavy face products. It's treatable but can come back.
Eczema
Eczema (atopic dermatitis): what it is, how it differs from acne, and how to track it
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common, long-lasting condition that makes skin itchy, dry and inflamed. It can't be cured, but it can be controlled.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis: is a product irritating your skin, or are you allergic to it?
Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash caused by something touching your skin, either an irritant or an allergen. It usually clears once you avoid the cause.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis: what it is, how it differs from acne, and how to track it
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, long-term rash that causes flaky, greasy scale and redness on the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose and beard. It can be controlled, not cured.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis: what it is, how it differs from other rashes, and how to track it
Psoriasis is a common, long-term immune condition that causes scaly patches of skin. It can't be cured, but it can be managed, and it can affect joints.
Hives
Hives (urticaria): what they are, how they differ from acne, and how to track them
Hives are itchy, raised welts that come and go within hours. Most clear up quickly, but swelling of the lips, tongue or throat is an emergency.
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