Five Common Skin Conditions That Aren't Acne

Living with the skin you’re in, you think you know it well. You've had that birthmark since you were a baby, know that scar is from chicken pox when you were five, and established a routine for your skin type. Although you are a master at the skincare game, some skin conditions may present themselves like typical acne but are something else. 

Here are five common skin conditions you may mistake for acne.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is hair follicles which have been infected with yeast or bacteria. Heat, sweat, or shaving can cause these little bumps. Folliculitis can be treated by benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid based cleansers or creams or by antibiotics in more extreme cases. 

Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Sebaceous Hyperplasia is a genetic condition with flesh colored bulbous bump like lesions on the face caused by enlarged oil glands. Sebaceous Hyperplasia is a benign condition but if the bumps are bothersome, may be removed by a dermatologist.  

Rosacea

Rosacea is an inflammatory condition which shows up as redness over cheeks and nose and accompanied with little pus-filled bumps. Rosacea is triggered by spicy food, caffeine, or alcohol and is managed by making lifestyle adjustments.

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris is a chronic skin condition, usually on the legs or upper arms, where an abnormal amount of keratin blocks hair follicles and causes rough bumps. The bumps are often itchy or dry and feel a little bit like sandpaper. Keratosis Pilaris is treated by salicylic acid creams or topical retinoids that exfoliate dead skin cells and keep follicles clear.

Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer, or basal cell carcinoma, can have the appearance of a pimple. If you have shiny, translucent, pink bumps with little blood vessels, or cyst like bumps that don’t go away after a month or two, you may need to check with a dermatologist to make sure they aren’t skin cancer. These bumps can only be treated and removed by a dermatologist so it’s best to catch them early.