Your personal plan · Type 2 · PPR

Bumps & pustules

Inflammatory bumps and pus-filled spots, often mistaken for adult acne. The treatment ladder is well-established — and notably different from acne care.

Bumps & pustules
2

What this subtype is

Type 2 rosacea (PPR) presents as inflammatory papules and pustules on a background of redness, usually central-face. It's frequently misdiagnosed as acne — but standard acne treatments like regular benzoyl peroxide often make PPR worse (a gentler prescription form, microencapsulated BPO — Epsolay — is FDA-approved for rosacea). The distinguishing feature: no blackheads or whiteheads (comedones), which are hallmark of acne.

Your common triggers
  • Sun exposure
  • Heat
  • Stress
  • Harsh actives
  • Spicy food
Find which apply to you →
Daily routine

Your daily routine

Build up slowly. Introduce one new active at a time over two weeks.

AM · Morning
  1. 1
    Cleanse
    Gentle, fragrance-free, non-foaming cleanser.
  2. 2
    Treat
    Azelaic acid targets both bumps and redness (OTC 10%; Rx 15% used twice daily as directed).
  3. 3
    Moisturise
    Lightweight ceramide moisturiser.
  4. 4
    Protect
    Mineral SPF 30+. Calms inflammation, prevents flares.
PM · Evening
  1. 1
    Cleanse
    Same gentle cleanser.
  2. 2
    Treat
    Rx ivermectin 1% (Soolantra) if prescribed — strong evidence for PPR.
  3. 3
    Moisturise
    Ceramide cream to offset any dryness from actives.
Ingredients

Ingredients: do & avoid

✓ Look for
Azelaic acidIvermectin (Rx)Metronidazole (Rx)NiacinamideCeramides
✕ Avoid
Standard benzoyl peroxide (Rx microencapsulated Epsolay is the exception)Salicylic acid (high %)FragranceAlcohol denat.Abrasive scrubs
Treatment ladder

Your treatment ladder

Highlighted rungs are the evidence-backed steps for Type 2.

Full treatment guide →
1
Gentle skincare foundation
RecommendedA
2
Azelaic acid (OTC 10% / Rx 15%)
RecommendedA
3
Ivermectin 1% / metronidazole (Rx)
RecommendedA
4
Low-dose doxycycline 40mg (Rx)
RecommendedA
5
Isotretinoin (refractory; off-label, iPLEDGE required, not in pregnancy)
RecommendedB

Evidence grades A–D follow published clinical guidelines. How we grade →

Track your triggers

See which of these triggers are actually yours

Log your skin for two weeks. The tracker calculates your personal flare correlations — so you stop guessing and start adjusting from data.

Open the Trigger Tracker →

Get prescription treatment

When self-care isn't enough

If bumps persist after 8–12 weeks of azelaic acid, a clinician can prescribe topical ivermectin and/or low-dose doxycycline 40mg — both FDA-approved for inflammatory lesions of rosacea. Telehealth is well-suited to this step.

Get treated with Musely → Compare all telehealth options

Ranked on rosacea fit, not commissionLicensed US providers FTC disclosure →

Type 2 questions

Frequently asked

Is Type 2 rosacea curable? +

Rosacea is chronic and managed rather than cured — but the right routine and treatments control it well for most people. Consistency matters more than intensity.

How long until I see results with this plan? +

Gentle skincare calms reactivity in 2–4 weeks; actives like azelaic acid take 8–12 weeks for full effect. Track your skin so you can tell what's working.

Can I follow this plan without a prescription? +

Yes — the foundation (gentle routine + OTC actives) is non-prescription. Prescription steps are optional escalations if OTC isn't enough after 8–12 weeks.

Is this a diagnosis? +

No. This plan is educational and based on your quiz answers. A board-certified dermatologist remains the source of diagnosis and prescriptions.

Free · Your Type 2 plan as a PDF

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