Of all the common skin rashes, rosacea is the most likely to cause pustules. It's often characterized as an inflammatory skin condition that worsens over time, especially when left untreated. People dealing with rosacea develop patches of redness as well as small, pus-filled bumps on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin.
Development
Though doctors are still uncertain what actually causes rosacea, certain factors are known to trigger flare-ups. These triggers vary from person to person, but some of the more frequent include extreme temperature changes, sun exposure, exercise, menopause, stress and topical corticosteroids, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Spicy foods, alcohol and some blood pressure medications can also be problematic.
Misconceptions
The pustules associated with rosacea are commonly mistaken for acne. While the lesions appear to be similar, the two skin conditions are quite different. Acne develops from dead skin and excess oil clogging the pores, whereas rosacea is the result of blood vessels swelling under the surface of the skin. According to the National Institutes of Health, it's for this reason that over-the-counter acne treatments should not be used to treat these skin rash pustules. Doing so may actually worsen your skin.
Topical Treatment
A dermatologist can prescribe one of the many topical medications known to improve this skin condition. Some are identical to that used for acne, but provide different benefits for the skin. Tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid and metronidazole are all prescription medications effective in treating rosacea. Any one of these medications can reduce inflammation and thereby improve the pustules.
Oral Treatment
If prescription creams fail to provide results, most doctors turn to oral medication. These options usually involve an antibiotic, such as erythromycin, tetracycline, minocycline or doxycycline. Most people using these medications see an improvement in the pustules in a matter of weeks to months, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Triggers
Another essential part of treatment is to identify potential triggers. Given time, most people can determine the factors that often lead to flare-ups, assures the Mayo Clinic on its website. Once you establish triggers, you can often take steps to minimize exposure. Sunscreens are useful for most, but you may also benefit from scarves in the winter, alcohol-free skin care and noncomedogenic moisturizers.
