Rosacea Acne Pimples

Researchers do not fully understand the causes for rosacea, though experts think it is due to a combination of genetics and environmental triggers.

Papulopustular rosacea often begins as pus-filled or red bumps that form close together on your skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).

Your skin may also feel hot to the touch or itchy along with frequent breakouts. Those with lighter skin may see the rosy-red flush this condition is named for; while those with

Rosacea: Nuances In Clinical Presentation And Treatment

May find their flush tends toward yellow or dusty brown. Sometimes referred to as inflammatory rosacea, papulopustular rosacea is always associated with bumps or texture (sometimes referred to as plaque) of some sort.

The cause of all types of rosacea are not entirely understood, though it may be due to a combination of genetics and environmental triggers.

The best way to avoid rosacea flare-ups is to get to know your triggers and avoid them whenever possible. For example, skip red wine if that seems to aggravate your condition and wear SPF daily if sunlight seems to be a rosacea trigger, which it often is.

Learn How To Treat Acne Rosacea & Key Differences To Acne

There is not one recommended diet to help combat papulopustular rosacea. However, there is some research and anecdotal evidence showing that certain foods may improve the condition and other food and drinks can make rosacea worse.

At any point in your rosacea journey, you should feel empowered to check in with a dermatologist or your physician. However, it’s especially important if you feel like your symptoms are worsening or that you are having regular, severe flare-ups.

Rosacea is likely a lifelong condition that you will need to carefully manage. It can be helpful to seek a therapist or a support group with other people who understand your situation.

Rosacea Or Something Else?

You can also look for over-the-counter products that contain sulfur, and always opt for gentle, nonexfoliating cleansers. If your doctor gives it the OK, laser or light treatment may be helpful — but this option may be best for those with visible blood vessels.

For example, per 2012 research, a compress made of cooled green tea may help calm redness. And products containing niacinamide may help to relieve redness associated with skin flushing.

Papulopustular rosacea shows up on your skin as redness and whitehead-filled bumps or pustules on your face that may be mistaken for acne.

Acne And Rosacea: A Dermatologist Explains The Difference

While there is no cure for this type of rosacea, certain lifestyle tweaks — such as avoiding very spicy foods and too much time in the sun — may make the chronic skin condition more manageable.

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Do you experience frequent flushing when enjoying a spicy meal? Do your nose and cheeks get red when you get your sweat on? Do certain skincare products cause your face to sting or burn? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have mild rosacea—and you’re not alone! 

Get The Best Treatment For Rosacea, Vitiligo And Eczema

Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition that affects an estimated 16 million people in the United States, ¹ although many don’t even know they have it. Specific rosacea symptoms are often misdiagnosed as other conditions, especially acne vulgaris. This can be extra frustrating for patients, as the treatments for one condition may not help with the other and at times, they can overlap.

Here at , we want to empower you to take control of your skincare. Education is the first step, but we treat common skin conditions too—it’s one of our favorite ways to help! With that in mind, let’s learn about two of the most common skin conditions: acne and rosacea. 

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that occurs when pores become clogged with excess sebum (aka oil) and dead skin cells. Bacteria (specifically C. acnes) feed on the sebum, leading to an inflammatory response.²

Acne Vs. Rosacea: What's The Difference?

There are different types of acne lesions, including closed comedones (whiteheads), open comedones (blackheads), papules, pustules, and nodules.³ Acne can be frustrating, but it’s totally treatable. We’ll get more into that later! 

Like acne, rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It’s characterized by various symptoms, including frequent redness and flushing of the central face. The symptoms typically occur in cycles⁴ (aka flare-ups). They might appear for days or weeks at a time, then disappear, reappear, and so on. Inflammatory rosacea, or papulopustular rosacea, is sometimes mistaken for acne.

Acne and rosacea look similar. But while both may cause symptoms like facial redness, bumps, and pimples, there are critical differences in appearance, location, and typical demographics. You can have acne and rosacea at the same time. 

How To Treat Rosacea

Do you ever wonder why some people get red, irritated skin and others never seem to experience it? The answer might lie in these potential contributing factors. Whether it’s genetics, lifestyle choices, or the environment, something’s causing the flushing and red bumps you’re experiencing. Let’s take a closer look at what might be behind rosacea flare-ups.

A few different things in your diet may contribute to rosacea.⁹ Experts recommend avoiding spicy drinks or foods and foods that contain capsaicin. Avoiding (or cutting back on) alcohol and reducing your consumption of cinnamaldehyde-related foods (think citrus, tomatoes, and cinnamon) may be beneficial.

There may be a genetic component to rosacea, as many people with this skin condition have family members who also have rosacea. Consider your family history if you’re unsure whether your redness is rosacea.¹⁰

Everything Old Is New Again: Good News For Patients, Bad News For Bumps And Pimples

The immune system may be involved in developing rosacea. Researchers discovered that many individuals with rosacea have a heightened reaction to the bacterium known as bacillus oleronius, leading to an overactive immune response. But the precise connection between the immune system and rosacea remains unclear.¹¹

It is possible to have both acne and rosacea at the same time—frustrating, we know! But remember that these are separate conditions. Rosacea can present with acne-like bumps, so it’s often mistaken for acne. It’s sometimes even (incorrectly) called “acne rosacea!”¹²

Acne often involves open and closed comedones (aka blackheads and whiteheads), but these don’t occur with rosacea. If you see acne-like lesions with rosacea, they’ll be inflammatory papules and pustules likely accompanied by persistent redness or flushing.¹³

Metrogel And Rosex Gel As A Treatment For Acne Rosacea

There’s no cure for acne or rosacea, but it’s possible to manage both conditions with proper treatment and the help of a dermatology provider. 

A few lifestyle changes can make a big difference in acne and rosacea. For acne, adjusting your diet (like minimizing dairy and sugar) may help, ¹⁴ as can changing up your workout clothes and gear.

As for rosacea, lifestyle changes can hugely impact how well the condition is managed. Rosacea often flares up with exposure to certain triggers such as spicy food, sun exposure, exercise, and wind.¹⁵ Identifying and avoiding your triggers can make a big difference. In fact, according to the National Rosacea Society, more than 90% of patients who identified and avoided their personal triggers saw an improvement!¹⁶

Acne Or Rosacea: What's The Difference?

Consistently sticking with a simple skincare routine can help both acne and rosacea. Here at , we constantly tout the benefits of a three-step skincare routine for acne patients: cleanse, moisturize, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher in the morning; cleanse, treat, and moisturize at night. 

Cleansing, moisturizing, treating, and using sun protection are equally important for rosacea. Cleansers and moisturizers should be gentle and free of potentially irritating ingredients. UV protection is important for everyone, but it's especially important for people with rosacea. The sun can trigger rosacea flare-ups in some people, so sun avoidance and proper sunscreen use can help to control symptoms.¹⁷

Topical and oral medications are often integral to managing acne and rosacea. Prescription topicals like tretinoin and clindamycin can treat acne breakouts and help prevent new ones from forming. Oral medications like isotretinoin are also commonly used.¹⁸

Acne And Rosacea: Know The Difference

Certain medications, like topical azelaic acid and oral doxycycline, can treat both conditions. Remember that the strengths used to treat each condition often differ. 

No! There’s a lot hidden beneath the surface of a pimple, and if what’s inside leaks out, the gunk can contaminate the area around it. When you pop a pimple, the pus inside can spread to the skin under the surface, potentially causing more breakouts and irritation. Plus, you risk driving that bacteria-ridden gunk even deeper into your skin, causing more swelling and inflammation, not to mention dark spots or permanent scarring. So whether it’s acne or rosacea causing your pimples, resist the urge to pop them!

If you’re struggling with acne, rosacea, or both, can help! offers skincare products made with proven effective ingredients. You can try prescription-strength ingredients like tretinoin, clindamycin, and metronidazole by signing up and discussing your needs with one of our experts. 

Papulopustular Rosacea: Symptoms, Triggers, And Treatment

Our in-house licensed dermatology providers help take the guesswork out of your skincare routine by determining the products your skin needs and creating a custom formula to help meet your skincare goals. To get started, just snap a few selfies and take a quick skin