The key difference between malar rash and rosacea is that malar rash is a skin rash that appears on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, arms, legs, or trunk due to conditions like lupus, while rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that causes reddened skin and a rash, usually on the face, including nose and cheeks.
The malar rash of lupus and the skin rash of rosacea are often misdiagnosed because both can appear on the face. However, malar rash of lupus can also appear on other areas of the body, including arms, legs, or trunk. Furthermore, the malar rash of lupus normally has a raised edge at its outside border, while the skin rash of the rosacea lacks this typical feature.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Malar Rash
3. What is Rosacea
4. Similarities – Malar Rash and Rosacea
5. Malar Rash vs. Rosacea in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Malar Rash vs. Rosacea
What is Malar Rash?
Malar rash is a type of flat or slightly raised rash that can be rough and scaly. This rash is often red or purple in colour and blotchy or solid in appearance. Sometimes, it can be itchy, and in severe cases, it can be painful. Malar rash is mainly caused by an autoimmune disease called lupus. However, the malar rash may also have other causes, such as bacterial infections like Lyme disease, vitamin deficiencies like pellagra, genetic disorders like Bloom syndrome, and sensitivity to ultraviolet rays in sunlight.
Figure 01: Malar Rash
The diagnosis of malar rash can be made through medical history, physical examination, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), C-reaction protein test, X-rays to check for organ damage, and anti-nuclear antibody test. Furthermore, treatment options for malar rash may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-malarial drugs that may help with joint and skin conditions and fatigue, steroids for inflammation, immunosuppressive medications, and antibiotics in case of bacterial infections.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that causes redness on the face. Rosacea rash can be found on the cheek, nose, and forehead. Rosacea usually starts after the age of 30 but can flare up throughout life. People who have fair skin, women, and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are most commonly affected by this condition. The signs and symptoms of this condition may include flushing, persistent redness, bumps and pimples, visible blood vessels, eye irritations, burning or stinging, dry appearance, plaques, skin thickening, and swelling. Although the condition’s direct cause is unknown, it can be triggered by sun exposure, stress, strenuous exercise, hot or cold weather, hot drinks, alcohol and caffeine, and certain foods such as spicy foods.
Figure 02: Rosacea
Rosacea can be diagnosed through medical history, physical symptoms evaluation, blood tests, and skin biopsy. Furthermore, rosacea can be treated through antibiotics like doxycycline to reduce bumps and pimples, brimonidine gel to reduce redness, creams or gels containing azelaic acid, ivermectin or metronidazole to reduce bumps and pimples, laser therapy, and surgical procedures.
What are the Similarities Between Malar Rash and Rosacea?
- Malar rash and rosacea are two skin conditions that result in redness, particularly on the face, including the cheeks and bridge of the nose.
- Itchiness can be present in both conditions.
- Both conditions can be diagnosed through medical history, physical evaluation, and blood tests.
- They can be treated by taking specific medications and applying topical medications.
What is the Difference Between Malar Rash and Rosacea?
Malar rash is a skin rash that appears on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, arms, legs, or trunk due to certain conditions, such as lupus, while rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that causes reddened skin and a rash, usually on the face, including nose and cheeks. Thus, this is the key difference between malar rash and rosacea. Furthermore, the malar rash of lupus normally has a raised edge at its outside border, while the skin rash of the rosacea lacks this typical feature.
The infographic below presents the differences between malar rash and rosacea in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Malar Rash vs. Rosacea
Malar rash and rosacea both lead to facial redness. This can typically occur across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. Itchiness and uncomfortable feelings can be present in both conditions. However, the malar rash is a skin rash that appears on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, arms, legs, or trunk due to certain conditions, such as lupus, while rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that causes reddened skin and a rash, usually on the face which including nose and cheeks. So, this summarizes the difference between malar rash and rosacea.
Reference:
1. “Malar Rash – An Overview.” Science Direct.
2. “Rosacea.” National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Lupus Erythematosus – Malar eminences and nose – Malar erythema and atrophy” By MyArthritis (CC BY-NC 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Rosacea 01” By M. Sand, D. Sand, C. Thrandorf, V. Paech, P. Altmeyer, F. G. Bechara – M. Sand, D. Sand, C. Thrandorf, V. Paech, P. Altmeyer, F. G. Bechara: Cutaneous lesions of the nose. In: Head & face medicine Band 6, 2010, S. 7, ISSN 1746-160X. doi:10.1186/1746-160X-6-7. PMID 20525327.. (Review). Open Access (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia