The key difference between rosacea and butterfly rash is that rosacea can be reddish in colour with visible blood vessels, bumps or pimples and often appears on the face while butterfly rash can be reddish purple in colour, raised and scaly and often appears across the cheeks and nose.
Rosacea and butterfly rash (lupus rash) are two different skin conditions that usually cause redness and inflammation on the face. In some cases, both these skin conditions may be associated with skin sensitivity, itching, and burning. Rosacea is confined to skin and eyes whereas butterfly rash is a generalized disorder.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Rosacea
3. What is Butterfly Rash
4. Similarities – Rosacea and Butterfly Rash
5. Rosacea vs. Butterfly Rash in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – Rosacea and Butterfly Rash
7. Summary – Rosacea vs. Butterfly Rash
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes long-term flushing and redness on the face. The symptoms of this condition may include facial redness and flushing, visible veins, swollen bumps, burning sensation, eye problems, and an enlarged nose. This condition could be due to genetics, an overactive immune system or things in your daily life. The risk factors for this condition may include sun or wind, hot drinks, spicy foods, alcohol, very hot and cold temperatures, emotional stress, exercise, and drugs that dilate blood.
Figure 01: Rosacea
Rosacea can be diagnosed through physical examination and skin biopsy. Furthermore, treatment options for rosacea may include gels or other products applied to the skin brimonidine (Mirvaso) and oxymetazoline (Rhofade), oral antibiotics, acne medicine and laser therapy.
What is Butterfly Rash?
Butterfly rash (lupus rash) causes different rashes on the face and body. This rash is also called malar rash. Butterfly rash occurs when cells in the immune system that typically fight off infections turn against the body and attack healthy cells. The symptoms of this condition may include a rash that spreads out across the nose and cheek in the shape of a butterfly, swollen eyelids, scaly skin patches, dark spots, light spots or scars on the skin and mouth sores. The risk factors for this condition are sun exposure and sex (women are affected more).
Figure 02: Butterfly Rash
Butterfly rash can be diagnosed through family history and physical examination. Furthermore, treatment options for butterfly rash may include topical steroids and antimalarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil).
What are the Similarities Between Rosacea and Butterfly Rash?
- Rosacea and butterfly rash (lupus rash) are two different skin conditions that usually cause redness and inflammation on the face.
- Genetics and environment play a main role in developing both conditions.
- Both conditions can be diagnosed through physical examination.
- They can be treated through specific medications.
What is the Difference Between Rosacea and Butterfly Rash?
Rosacea can be reddish in colour with visible blood vessels, bumps, or pimples and often appears on the face, while butterfly rash can be reddish purple in colour, raised and scaly, and often appears across the cheeks and nose. Thus, this is the key difference between rosacea and butterfly rash. Furthermore, the risk factors for rosacea are sun or wind, hot drinks, spicy foods, alcohol, very hot cold temperatures, emotional stress, exercise, and drugs that dilate the blood. On the other hand, the risk factors for butterfly rash are sun exposure and sex (women are affected more).
The infographic below presents the differences between rosacea and butterfly rash in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
FAQ: Rosacea and Butterfly Rash
What can be mistaken for rosacea?
Acne, dermatitis, or other skin problems can be mistakenly taken as rosacea.
What are the 5 symptoms of rosacea?
Facial redness, rash, visible blood vessels, skin thickening, and eye irritation are some of the major symptoms of rosacea.
Can rosacea be confused for lupus?
Since both conditions cause facial redness and other symptoms, lupus can be confused with rosacea.
Summary – Rosacea vs. Butterfly Rash
Rosacea and butterfly rash (lupus rash) are two different skin conditions that usually cause redness and inflammation on the face. Rosacea often appears on the face and can be reddish in colour with visible blood vessels, bumps, or pimples, while butterfly rash often appears across the cheeks and nose and can be reddish purple in colour, raised, and scaly. So, this summarizes the difference between rosacea and butterfly rash.
Reference:
1. “Rosacea: Symptoms, Causes, Triggers & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic.
2. “Lupus and Your Skin: Signs and Symptoms.” American Academy of Dermatology.
Image Courtesy:
1. “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
2. “OSC Microbio 19 02 Lupus” By CNX OpenStax – (CC BY 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia