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You’ve tried every acne treatment on the market, but those red bumps on your face refuse to clear up. The truth is that many skin conditions masquerade as acne, leaving people frustrated with treatments that were never going to work for their specific problem.
At Hines Dermatology Associates in Attleboro, Massachusetts, Yvonne Hines, MD, and our clinical team regularly see patients who have spent months or years treating the wrong condition.
These acne-like conditions require different approaches, and proper identification is step No. 1 in getting clear skin.
Here are just a few conditions that look similar to acne:
Folliculitis creates small, pus-filled bumps around hair follicles that appear like acne breakouts. Unlike acne, which comes from clogged pores, folliculitis develops when bacteria, fungi, or irritation inflame the hair follicles themselves.
Hot tubs, tight clothing, and shaving can trigger these outbreaks. The bumps often appear in areas where hair grows, including the beard area, the back of the neck, and sometimes the chest and back.
Standard acne treatments don’t address the underlying follicle irritation and may actually make the condition worse.
Rosacea can be mistaken for acne, especially the papulopustular type that creates red bumps and pustules across the central face. The main difference is that rosacea doesn’t cause blackheads and whiteheads, and the persistent redness doesn’t fade between breakouts.
This condition typically affects your nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin in a butterfly pattern. Many people also experience:
Harsh acne products frequently make rosacea symptoms worse by increasing skin sensitivity.
Keratosis pilaris causes small, rough bumps that feel like sandpaper, most commonly on the upper arms, thighs, and even your face. These bumps form when keratin builds up around hair follicles, creating a bumpy texture that topical acne treatments can’t address.
The condition often runs in families and tends to worsen in dry weather. The bumps may have a slight red or brown tint and rarely contain pus like acne lesions do.
Perioral dermatitis causes clusters of small, red bumps around your mouth, nose, and sometimes eyes. This condition often worsens with heavy moisturizers or topical steroids, making it particularly tricky to self-diagnose and treat.
Women develop this condition more frequently than men, and it often coincides with hormonal changes or stress.
Treatment can only be effective once we identify your condition. For example, folliculitis might require topical or oral antibiotics, antifungal medications, or changes to your shaving routine and clothing choices. Rosacea management focuses on gentle skincare, sun protection, and prescription medications like metronidazole gel or oral antibiotics.
We also help you identify personal triggers that worsen your symptoms.
Self-treatment is counterproductive when your skin doesn’t improve after consistent use of appropriate products for your suspected condition. You can make your skin worse by continuing ineffective treatments or switching between multiple products too quickly.
Persistent redness, increasing sensitivity, or worsening symptoms, despite treatment, signal the need for professional evaluation. Conditions like certain types of folliculitis can lead to scarring if not properly treated.
If your “acne” isn't responding to typical treatments, Dr. Hines and our team can help identify what's happening with your skin. Call our office in Attleboro at 508-222-1976 today or book your appointment online.
