Health Articles > Acne > Is It Acne or Really Rosacea and How Do You Treat It?

99% of the population has acne of one form or another at some point in their life. For some it is minor and for others it can be a horrible disease both physically and emotionally. Some of the worst manifestations can lead to depression, withdrawal and even suicide in some documented cases. This is obviously not something to take lightly. It is common thought that most young children (infants and toddlers) get facial rashes due to sensitive skin that usually clear up on their own. The more severe and scarring forms of acne result after puberty and, in many cases, throughout adulthood. Many medical journals are now touting that a large composite of these acne cases are actually rosacea, a parasitic infection of the sebaceous glands (oil glands) and hair follicles. Doctors and researchers are now saying that as much as 50% of acne cases could actually be misdiagnosed cases of rosacea. In rosacea, the parasites infest and clog the follicles and sebaceous glands and this brings bacterial infection and red, inflamed bumps similar to acne. Treatment for rosacea, which may look similar to minor acne, is actually the same as for more severe acne. Chemical peels must be used to remove several of the upper skin layers and uncover the infected pores and follicles. Deeper chemical peels like trichloroacetic (TCA) acid work best as they will also kill the bacteria that form and change the pH of the skin and make it less conducive to bacterial infections. Most importantly TCA peels have been clinically proven to kill the parasite that causes rosacea. Most treatments for acne like benzoyl peroxide have been found to be ineffective on rosacea as they will not penetrate into the clogged pores and cysts. Instead, they will exacerbate the condition by making it more inflamed and itchy further bothering the patient. Antibacterial treatments like tetracycline and doxycycline will work, but are only temporary as once ended, the condition will return. With rosacea it is a good idea to stay out of the sun as it has been proven to aggravate the condition. Stress and diet can also contribute to a rosacea outbreak by making your skin more prone to infection. One unique tribute of rosacea is that it can be spread from person to person, whereas this is not true with acne as it is more genetic and hormonal. Practicing good hygiene is the best defense against contracting rosacea in the first place. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels have also been found to be very effective on acne, sun spots, removal of freckles, certain types of skin cancer, eczema, and many other malodies too numerous to mention. TCA peels used to only be available from dermatologists and plastic surgeons on an outpatient basis. They can now be purchased cheaply and safely through the internet. For more information on TCA peels for in home applications please see the link below.