Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsTreatmentsPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Symptoms
Treatments
Prevention
Eczemaand acne are two very different skin conditions that can sometimes look alike and even occur at the same time on the back, shoulders, and other parts of the body.
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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Causes of Eczema and Acne
Eczema causes dry, flaky, scaly skin with redness and itching. The cause of eczema is unknown, but it is largely regarded as a form of atopy along withasthma,hay fever (allergic rhinitis), and food allergies. Atopy refers to an abnormal immune response that causes a hypersensitive reaction.Atopic dermatitisis the most common type of eczema, but there are other types.
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, on the other hand, is a skin condition that causes bumps when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin, and bacteria. 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.
11 Best Acne Treatment Tips for Teens
How Do You Tell if It’s Acne or Eczema?
Eczema and acne can sometimes be hard to tell apart, especially if they occur on the neck, upper shoulders, or back.
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.
Eczema most commonly affects the backs of the knees, the insides of elbows, and the back of the neck. 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 can appear anywhere you have oil-producingsebaceous glands, most especially the back, shoulders, face, forehead, and chest. 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.
Back and Body Acne Causes, Types, and Treatments
Ways to Diagnose and Treat Eczema and Acne
Diagnosis and Treatment of Eczema
Eczema cannot be cured, buttreatmentslike moisturizing the skin help reduce symptoms. Topical steroids, Eucrisa (crisaborole ointment),Elidel (pimecrolimus cream), orcoal tarcan help reduce pain, redness, and itching. Stress management may also help reduce flare-ups.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Acne
Acne treatmentincludes gentle skin care and the daily use of a light moisturizer.Benzoyl peroxideand oral or topical antibiotics, steroids, and retinoidsmay also be prescribed to reduce pimples and improve the overall appearance of your skin.
Can Eczema Creams Also Help Acne?Salicylic acidis sometimes used in the treatment of both eczema and acne. Salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells, which can decrease dryness and scaling with eczema and open clogged pores with acne.Topical steroids are also commonly used with eczema and may be recommended for people with severe cases of acne, including nodulocystic acne.
Can Eczema Creams Also Help Acne?
Salicylic acidis sometimes used in the treatment of both eczema and acne. Salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells, which can decrease dryness and scaling with eczema and open clogged pores with acne.Topical steroids are also commonly used with eczema and may be recommended for people with severe cases of acne, including nodulocystic acne.
Salicylic acidis sometimes used in the treatment of both eczema and acne. Salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells, which can decrease dryness and scaling with eczema and open clogged pores with acne.
Topical steroids are also commonly used with eczema and may be recommended for people with severe cases of acne, including nodulocystic acne.
What to Know About Topical Retinoids for 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.
7 Signs Your Teen Should See a Dermatologist for Acne
Summary
Eczema and acne are treated differently but benefit from a proper skincare routine, including gentle cleansing and daily moisturizing.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment.National Institute on Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders.Acne.Gangar J, Thiagarajan K, Veeraraghavan N.Pruritic Rash on the Hands and Feet. Am Fam Physician. 98(11):685-686.Titus S, Hodge J.Diagnosis and treatment of acne.Am Fam Physician.86(8):734-40.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment.National Institute on Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders.Acne.Gangar J, Thiagarajan K, Veeraraghavan N.Pruritic Rash on the Hands and Feet. Am Fam Physician. 98(11):685-686.Titus S, Hodge J.Diagnosis and treatment of acne.Am Fam Physician.86(8):734-40.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment.National Institute on Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders.Acne.Gangar J, Thiagarajan K, Veeraraghavan N.Pruritic Rash on the Hands and Feet. Am Fam Physician. 98(11):685-686.Titus S, Hodge J.Diagnosis and treatment of acne.Am Fam Physician.86(8):734-40.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment.
National Institute on Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders.Acne.
Gangar J, Thiagarajan K, Veeraraghavan N.Pruritic Rash on the Hands and Feet. Am Fam Physician. 98(11):685-686.
Titus S, Hodge J.Diagnosis and treatment of acne.Am Fam Physician.86(8):734-40.
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