Just when you thought acne was bad enough, other similar skin conditions occasionally occur with acne. Some of these conditions simply co-exist with the conditions leading to acne, like dandruff, others tend to look like acne but require entirely different methods of treatment. Understanding these conditions can help you make the best choices for your own health. Below are seven ‘false acne’ conditions.

Acne Cosmetica

This is a mild form of acne common when using cosmetic products. Certain cosmetic products are more likely to induce acne than others – especially those that are not marked non comedogenic. In this case, anyone who wears the cosmetic products is susceptible to acne, even if they aren’t normally. This type of acne appears as small red bumps on the cheeks, chin, and forhead. It usually persists well after you stop using the cosmetic products, but does go away eventually.

Dandruff (Sebborrheic Dermatitus)

Dandruff often occurs along with acne. The underlying mechanism is similar to that which causes acne, with skin cells attempting to fight off P.ovale fungus. Climate, genes, diet, hormones, and stress all play a role. In dandruff, this process is accelerated, and dead skin cells are shed at an excessive rate. The symptoms which follow are very well known – an itchy, flaky scalp. Also as with acne, shampoos containing zinc or salicylic acid are helpful to the condition. Overwashing is not a factor, but excessive scratching can make the problem worse.

Eczema (Dermatitus)

This is a red rash which spreads quickly and is usually itch, swollen, and blistery in appearance. There are two main types: 1. Atopic dermatitus is an allergic reaction, similar to asthma and hay fever. It commonly occurs in early childhood. 2. Contact Dermatitus is an allergic reaction to contact with chemicals or other irritants. Anything the patient contacts which he or she may be allergic to is included: chemicals, rubber, preservatives, metallic objects, perfumes.

Eczema can be chronic, often occuring on hands, eyelids, and neck for long periods of time. Affected skin is often darker than surrounding skin, and may be thicker from excessive scratching. Chronic eczema is most often genetic in nature but can be caused or exasperated by factors in the environment.

Enlarged Skin Pores

As hormone and sebum production increases in teen years, so does the size of skin pores. The normal process of aging then causes pores to appear even larger. Genetics largely determines how big skin pores of an adult will be. Any irritation to the skin, such as picking at acne, causes pores to become damaged and permanently larger.

Epidermal Cysts

This is a nastier version of acne which occurs in deeper layers of skin than the usual pores. Often, the sac is filled with a whitish pus which doesn’t go away. Small cysts can remain untreated, but larger cysts may become painful quickly. In this case, a dermatologist is recommended – as the only treatment is to excise the affected skin.

Favre-Racouchet Syndrome

This false acne syndrome is characterized by large blackhead like spots called coalescent comedones by the eyes and upper cheeks of the face. It is usually caused by significant sun damage over a period of years, although genetics can be a factor as well. These comedones do not go away, their only treatment is surgery or retinoids.

Keratosis Pilaris

This condition consists of many small, red, hard bumps in patches. They are found behind your arms, on the shoulders, the buttocks, front thighs, and cheeks. They usually don’t cause pain and get worse in the Winter months.