Rosacea
Persistent redness, flushing, visible blood vessels
Chronic inflammatory condition with four subtypes. Affects 16M Americans.
Read full guide →/ Conditions
Identify what
your skin is doing.
A reference for the most commonly mistaken skin conditions. Each links to a deep guide with evidence-based treatment options.
This is a reference, not a diagnosis. Persistent or severe skin conditions need a board-certified dermatologist. Pimpl helps you track and prepare for that conversation.
/ Common conditions
Find what looks like yours.
Hormonal acne
Cyclical breakouts on chin, jaw, and neck
Driven by androgen fluctuations and insulin resistance.
Read full guide →Cystic acne
Deep, painful nodules beneath the skin
Often requires prescription support. Most likely to scar.
Read full guide →Fungal acne
Uniform small bumps, often itchy
Pityrosporum folliculitis. A yeast overgrowth that mimics acne.
Read full guide →Closed comedones
Skin-colored bumps, no inflammation
Clogged pores trapped under the skin surface.
Read full guide →Back acne (bacne)
Body acne on back, chest, shoulders
Mechanically and microbially distinct from facial acne.
Read full guide →Acne scars
Pitted, raised, or pigmented marks left from acne
Three main types: atrophic, hypertrophic, post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Read full guide →/ General reference
Adjacent topics worth reading.
General acne treatment overview
Evidence-based options ranked by severity.
Read →Pregnancy and skin
How pregnancy hormones affect skin and what is safe to use.
Read →Damaged skin barrier
The root cause behind many skin conditions.
Read →Skincare mistakes
Habits that mimic or worsen real skin conditions.
Read →/ Quick answers
Skin condition FAQs.
How do I know if I have rosacea or acne?
Rosacea typically involves persistent redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels — and lacks blackheads. Acne involves blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules. Some people have both. If standard acne treatments make things worse, you may have rosacea. See a dermatologist for diagnosis.
What is the most common skin condition?
Acne affects nearly 85% of people aged 12 to 24 at some point, making it the most common skin condition globally. Other widely common conditions include eczema (atopic dermatitis), rosacea, keratosis pilaris, and seborrheic dermatitis.
When should I see a dermatologist?
See a dermatologist if: a skin issue persists more than 8 weeks despite OTC treatment, you have any cystic or nodular acne, you are scarring, you experience persistent itching or pain, your symptoms are worsening, or your skin condition is affecting your mental health or sleep.
Can a skincare app diagnose skin conditions?
No. Skincare apps are tracking and education tools, not diagnostic devices. They can help you document patterns, identify triggers, and have informed conversations with healthcare providers. Diagnosis requires a board-certified dermatologist.
What conditions look like acne but are not?
Several conditions are commonly mistaken for acne: rosacea (red bumps but no blackheads), perioral dermatitis (rash around the mouth), keratosis pilaris (rough bumps on arms/legs), fungal acne (uniform itchy bumps), milia (white cysts), and contact dermatitis (reactive bumps from products).