Papulopustular rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can be mistaken for acne.

Its one of four types of rosaceaa skin condition that may cause redness and flushing on the face.

People with papulopustular rosacea also have pimple-like white heads.

A person’s face with rosacea

Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealand and © Dr. Mashihul Hossainwww.dermnetnz.org2023.

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealand and Dr. Mashihul Hossainwww.dermnetnz.org2023.

In darker skin tones, it can appear as darker patches of skin or a dusky brown discoloration.

papulopustular rosacea, close-up of the patient’s cheek

Yuliya Shauerman / Getty Images

It may also cause yellowish-brown bumps around the mouth or eyes.

This rash is often confused foracne papules, or zits, because thats exactly what they look like.

How Is jot down 2 Rosacea Different From Acne?

Papulopustular rosacea, sometimes called jot down 2 rosacea, is easily confused with acne.

However, the flares can also be long-lasting.

Rosacea usually flares up in response to triggers.

Treatment Options

Prescription Medications

Four prescription antibiotics can be used topically to treat papulopustular rosacea.

These are:

These are usually used for three to four months at a time.

Your healthcare provider might recommend staying on them longer-term as a preventive measure.

However, some OTC topical creams (applied to the skin) can help with mild rosacea.

These include:

Home Remedies

Avoiding stress and triggers can help prevent rosacea flare-ups.

Having a gentle skin routine and wearing sunscreen daily is also an important part of treating rosacea.

Dietary Management

Some people find that what they eat or drink triggers flare-ups.

The two most common triggers for rosacea are sun exposure and stress.

Wearing sunscreen every day will go a long way toward reducing your symptoms.

Any steps you’re free to take to reduce stresslike creating a mindfulness routinewill also help.

Summary

Papulopustular rosacea is a chronic skin condition that is often confused with acne.

Papulopustular rosacea is treated with a combination of oral and topical antibiotics.

NYU Langone Health.Types of rosacea.

American Academy of Dermatology Association.People with darker skin tones can get rosacea.

Stanford Medicine.Introduction to differentiating acne vulgaris vs. acne rosacea.

Oge' LK, Muncie HL, Phillips-Savoy AR.Rosacea: Diagnosis and treatment.

Rivero AL, Whitfeld M.An update on the treatment of rosacea.

  1. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2018.004

American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rosacea diagnosis and treatment.