With the rise of telehealth services, it’s not uncommon for someone to forgo their primary care physician or dermatologist appointment at the local healthcare provider for a less risky virtual option. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone has the time to schedule an appointment, and doing so comes with the expectation that something is seriously amiss.

So what do you do about the redness spreading across your face? Perhaps you believe it’s acne or are worried that it’s a sign of something more insidious, but it could just be a rosacea flare-up. Before you read on to learn how to spot the difference, take our quiz to find out what you already know about rosacea:

What’s Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that’s characterized by flare-ups and periods of remission. These cycles can be triggered by various factors, including your diet, stress levels, and other variables in your environment.

If you’ve never had a rosacea flare-up, then it’s easy to mistake it for something else. Once you’ve been diagnosed, however, you’ll learn to tell the difference between your rosacea and other rashes that you should discuss with a medical professional.

How Do I Tell If It’s Rosacea?

There are four different kinds of rosacea, and each can present in slightly different ways. Generally speaking, if you’re experiencing a general redness that spreads into a “flush” with spidering veins or thickening skin, there’s a good chance that it’s rosacea.

However, it’s often easier to tell what isn’t rosacea since there are some symptoms that the condition will rarely present with. A few signs that indicate a rash probably ISN’T rosacea include:

• Dry, cracked skin
• Hives
• Dandruff
• Skin flaking

If you see signs like this, then it’s worth talking to your dermatologist, as something else could be causing the rash that may need additional treatment.

Are There Conditions That Resemble Rosacea?

Rosacea can be a nuisance and therefore does require some management, but it generally does not come with the risk of serious complications. However, some conditions could require additional care that mimics the symptoms of rosacea.

Lupus is a condition that can cause skin inflammation and can easily be mistaken for rosacea. However, it often lacks any bumps on the skin and is usually accompanied by other symptoms that indicate a more severe issue, like fever, fatigue, joint pain, and more. Since Lupus symptoms can mimic a rosacea rash, it’s essential to pay attention to what other symptoms you might be experiencing. If there’s more than a bit of discomfort at the site of the rash, then you might want to talk to a doctor to ensure you get the care you need.

To find out more about the difference between rosacea and other rashes, or schedule an appointment with a 24-hour doctor, call BreezeFast Medical today!