Rosacea vs Perioral Dermatitis

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Rosacea
Perioral Dermatitis
Category
Common
Common
Key feature
Chronic facial redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes bumps. Common triggers: heat, alcohol, spicy food, stress.
Red, bumpy rash around the mouth and nose - often triggered by topical steroids. Common in women aged 20-45.
Risk factors
Fair skin, especially Northern European ancestry; Age 30-60; Female sex (though men develop more severe forms)
Women aged 20-45; Use of topical corticosteroids on the face (most common trigger); Heavy or occlusive facial moisturizers
Action needed
Persistent facial redness that does not go away
Persistent bumpy rash around the mouth that does not resolve with simple skincare changes

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition primarily affecting the central face - cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It affects an estimated 16 million Americans and is most common in fair-skinned adults between 30 and 60.

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Perioral Dermatitis

Perioral dermatitis is a facial rash characterized by small red papules, pustules, and mild scaling distributed around the mouth, nose, and sometimes the eyes. It predominantly affects women aged 20-45, though it can occur in men and children.

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Does yours look more like rosacea?

Quick self-check

Does this look like rosacea? Answer 2 questions.

Is there persistent redness on the central face (cheeks, nose, chin)?

Does it worsen with heat, alcohol, spicy food, or stress?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →