Despite similarities in their appearance, their causes are very different.
This article compares eczema vs. acne and explains how to tell one from the other.
It also describes how eczema and acne are treated and if there are treatments that can help both.
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Eczema can affect people of any age but typically starts early in life.
Genetics are thought to play a role.
Stress can also contribute to flare-ups.
Acne is most common amongteenagersduring puberty as a result of fluctuating hormones but can persist into adulthood.
Unlike eczema, acne is not itchy.
Acne is also common during menstrual cycles as a result of normal hormonal fluctuations.
Genetics are also thought to predispose some people to acne.
How Do You Tell if It’s Acne or Eczema?
What Eczema Looks Like
Eczema causes itchy, red patches on the face or body.
Redness and itching are the mainsymptoms of eczemaalong with dryness, flaking, and scaling.
Affected areas of the skin may turn darker and become infected if scratched.
The palms and soles may also be affected along with the back, upper shoulders, and buttocks.
Eczema rarely affects the face.
What Acne Looks Like
Acne produces pimples from clogged pores.
Acne pimples are small, raised bumps that are reddish and swollen, often with a white center.
Acne is not the result of poor hygiene.
Acne is typically not painful.
The one exception isnodulocystic acnewhich causes larger, swollen, and painful nodules and cysts under the skin.
While the treatment approaches are different, there is some overlap in the medications used for both.
Eczema cannot be cured, buttreatmentslike moisturizing the skin help reduce symptoms.
Stress management may also help reduce flare-ups.
Risk factors include puberty, menstruation, medications, and a family history of acne.
Can Eczema Creams Also Help Acne?
Salicylic acidis sometimes used in the treatment of both eczema and acne.
Preventing Eczema and Acne
Preventing eczema and acne begins withavoiding triggersthat can make symptoms worse.
Proper skin care is also important for preventing eczema and acne.
Agentle skin cleanserand moisturizer can help keep your skin clean and hydrated while maintaining its normal barrier function.
Avoid scratching or picking at eczema lesions and acne pimples.
This can introduce bacteria into the skin and cause a secondary skin infection.
Eczema is resulting from a hypertensive reaction, while acne develops as a result of clogged pores.
Eczema also causes itching, which acne doesn’t.
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National Institute on Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders.Acne.
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