Acne vs Eczema – Difference and Comparison

What is Acne? 

Skin is one of the most important body organs. The outermost layer of the body gets affected very first by the change in the outer environment. Acnes are one of a very serious problem among people over the globe.

Think of a situation that you have got an invite to your college party and in the afternoon of that day, you had a red bump on your face. It is one of the most terrifying situations, that a person can face. And as similar to this situation, people suffering from acne can become a  root of psychological ailments, like low self-confidence, low self-esteem, anxiety, and embarrassment.

In the hectic days, people face dirt, sun, sweat, pollution, etc., and people with oily skin get more problems in such conditions. When such skin irritants reach the skin, more oil gets produced on the skin and causes more clogging of pores. Due to clogging of pores, blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, cysts, pus-filled pores, and many similar problems occur.

People following a healthy lifestyle, exercising daily, having a good food lifestyle, maintaining hygiene, and drinking enough water daily, are very much safe from skin problems like acne. And people who have a sedentary lifestyle, have a higher risk of acne.

But if you are having long-term problems related to acne, then it is advised that have a check-up by a dermatologist and have prescribed medication. Dermatologists give two kinds of medication. One is a topical treatment, where you must apply lotions and creams on the affected area. And in systemic treatment, the medicine has to be taken by mouth.

What is Eczema? 

Eczema is an autoimmune kind of disease. People who suffer from eczema have redness, rashes, dry and flaky skin, and it can also cause asthma. Lack of hydration in the skin is the most common symptom of Eczema.

The immune system of the human body plays an important role in protecting the system from external invasions. But some situations and conditions form inside the body, where the body’s immune system starts attacking the healthy body cells and damages the body. Such a disease is called autoimmune disease.

A person who is suffering from eczema, shows symptoms on hands, legs, arms, face, and the middle body portion.  Scientifically, eczema is called “atopic dermatitis”, in which atopic means a collection of conditions related to immunity; dermatitis means inflammation.

Doctors recommend applying a thick layer of lotion and moisturizer to the affected area to maintain hydration. Because in eczema, the skin becomes a lot dry and flaky. Doctors recommend light clothes and mild soaps for daily use.

Main Difference Between Acne and Eczema  

  1. Acne is an oil-caused disease. On the other hand, eczema is a dry skin disease.
  2. Acne causes blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, and cysts. In Eczema, many people have different symptoms as per their body types.
  3. Acne is a non-curable disease, but it can be prevented or its effects can be lessened down. Eczema is also not a curable disease.
  4. Acne is caused due to the imbalance of the hormones in the body. On the other hand, eczema occurs due to the body’s immune system’s malfunction.
  5. Eczema people are advised to be safe from a dry environment. On the other hand, Acne people are advised to have a hygienic and clean lifestyle.

Comparison Between Acne and Eczema

Parameters of Comparison AcneEczema
CauseAcnes are caused due to excess release of oil, hormonal imbalance, and stress and tension.Eczema is an auto-immune disease. Lack of oil in the skin is also a reason.
SymptomsExcessively oily skin, pus-filled pores, nodules are common symptoms.In Eczema, people suffer from dry and flaky skin & itching.
TypesBlackheads, whiteheads, nodules, papules, pustules, etc. are common types of Acne.Atopic dermatitis, Neurodermatitis & seborrheic dermatitis are common names of eczema.q
HormonesAcnes are majorly caused due to an imbalance of hormones.Eczema is not related to hormones.
TreatmentSystemic and topical treatments are recommended by doctors.Steroids and antihistamines are very common medication types in eczema.

References

  1. https://europepmc.org/article/med/10233319
  2. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/msj.20289