Difference Between Rosacea and Butterfly Rash

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that manifests as a prominent red appearance on the face and eyes. Butterfly rash, also called malar rash, is a red eruption on the cheeks and the nasal bridge.

What is rosacea?

Definition:

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that manifests as a prominent red appearance on the face and eyes.

Symptoms:

Common signs and symptoms of rosacea include frequent flushing which is bouts of facial redness, persistent redness, red bumps and pimples of skin, telangiectasia, irritation in the eyes, a stinging or burning sensation on the face, and facial edema.

Location:

Rosacea affects the nose, chin, cheeks, eyes, forehead, ears, scalp, neck, and chest.

Causes:

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown. However, the disease is considered inflammatory. The abundance of skin mites or the presence of an ongoing infection is known to cause rosacea. Also, the malfunction of protective skin proteins is linked with the disease.

Diagnosis:

Rosacea is diagnosed by a dermatologist through medical history and physical examination.

Treatment:

Oral medications like antibiotics and topical gels like Brimonidine and azelaic acid are used to subside pimples and redness in rosacea. Laser treatment can control telangiectasia and surgery might be needed if nose disfigurement occurs.

What is butterfly rash?

Definition:

Butterfly rash, also known as the malar rash is a red eruption on the cheeks and the nasal bridge.

Symptoms:

Butterfly rash has a distinct butterfly shape and can be itchy or rough and scaly in texture. In severe cases, it can cause pain.

Location:

Butterfly rash occurs on the cheeks and nasal bridge.

Causes:

Causes of butterfly rash include autoimmune disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus, bacterial infections, such as Lyme disease, rosacea, and homocystinuria, nutritional deficiencies like pellagra, genetic disorders, and ultraviolet sensitivity.

Diagnosis:

After history and examination, a doctor will order additional tests if he suspects a malar rash. These include specific antibody tests for lupus such as antinuclear antibody tests and ESR/CRP. Niacin levels might be ordered if pellagra is suspected.

Treatment:

A butterfly rash is treated according to its cause. If lupus is present, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antimalarials, steroids, and immunosuppressants would be prescribed. If there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are given. Sensitive skin is protected via topical sunscreens and lotions.

Difference between Rosacea and butterfly rash

Definition:

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that manifests as a prominent red appearance on the face and eyes. Butterfly rash, also known as the malar rash is a red eruption on the cheeks and the nasal bridge.

Symptoms:

Common signs and symptoms of rosacea include frequent flushing which is bouts of facial redness, persistent redness, red bumps and pimples of skin, telangiectasia, irritation in the eyes, a stinging or burning sensation on the face, and facial edema. Butterfly rash has a distinct butterfly shape and can be itchy or rough and scaly in texture. In severe cases, it can cause pain.

Location:

Rosacea affects the nose, chin, cheeks, eyes, forehead, ears, scalp, neck, and chest. Butterfly rash occurs on the cheeks and nasal bridge.

Causes:

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown. However, the disease is considered inflammatory. The abundance of skin mites or the presence of an ongoing infection is known to cause rosacea. Also, the malfunction of protective skin proteins is linked with the disease. Causes of butterfly rash include autoimmune disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus, bacterial infections, such as Lyme disease, rosacea, and homocystinuria, nutritional deficiencies like pellagra, genetic disorders, and ultraviolet sensitivity.

Diagnosis:

Rosacea is diagnosed by a dermatologist through medical history and physical examination. A doctor will order special tests if he suspects a malar rash. These include specific antibody tests for lupus such as antinuclear antibody tests and ESR/CRP. Niacin levels might be ordered if pellagra is suspected.

Treatment:

Oral medications like antibiotics and topical gels like Brimonidine and azelaic acid are used to subside pimples and redness in rosacea. Laser treatment can control telangiectasia and surgery might be needed if nose disfigurement occurs. A butterfly rash is treated according to its cause. If lupus is present, NSAIDs, antimalarials, steroids, and immunosuppressants would be prescribed. If there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are given. Sensitive skin is protected via topical sunscreens and lotions.

Table of differences between Rosacea and butterfly rash

FAQs

How can you tell the difference between rosacea and lupus rash?

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that manifests as a prominent red appearance on the face and eyes. Butterfly rash, also called malar rash, is a red eruption on the cheeks and the nasal bridge.

Can you have a butterfly rash and not have lupus?

Yes, butterfly rash can occur due to several other causes except lupus.

What is the difference between butterfly rash and flushing?

Butterfly rash also known as malar rash is a red eruption on the cheeks and the nasal bridge whereas flushing is a red appearance of the whole of the body.

What mimics the lupus butterfly rash?

Rosacea can mimic butterfly rash.

Can lupus butterfly rash be mistaken for rosacea?

Yes 

What does the beginning of a lupus rash look like?

Malar rash due to lupus is a red, or purplish rash that occurs on the cheeks and nasal bridge. It can be itchy or rough and scaly in texture. In severe cases, it can cause pain.

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