5 Things You Need to Know About Pustule

1. So, What's a Pustule?

A pustule is a collection of pus, a combination of liquid and inflammatory cells that form just under the epidermis, the top layer of skin or under the dermis. Many times pustules start in the hair follicles or sweat glands. When you have a pimple that bursts forth pus if squeezed, you have a pustule. The pustule may be an abscess or furuncle if it is in the dermis.

2. Rashes With Pustules: Acne, Small Pox and Hidradenitis suppurativa

There are many types of pustules and many causes for them. Frequently, they come in groups, sometimes considered a rash. Hidradenitis suppurativa and acne are two that look similar. Hidradenitis suppurativa tends to occur to people that are 20 to 40 years old. It doesn't occur until the onset of puberty and affects the sweat glands. It is contained primarily in the area of the chest, armpits, groin and buttocks. Acne is everywhere you find hair follicles, sebaceous glands and hair. That's all over the body and excessive sebum production feeds the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes that causes acne. Small pox is another rash of pustules caused by the variola virus. There are many other reasons for rashes with pustules.

3. Symptoms of a Pustule

The symptoms are easy to spot and frequently the reason a doctor gets a phone call. The lumps are red and often painful. By looking at them you can usually see a white center indicating that there is pus inside. There is a myth that pustules form on the tip of the nose before a prom or other important event that has some merit. Stress can produce many different changes in the body. A blemish is just one of the results. Of course, it usually is in a spot that screams its presence to the world.

4. Treatment for Pustules Varies

The treatment for pustules depends on the cause of the outbreak. Some pustules in the form of a rash can come from Crohn's disease. In that case, a treatment for the underlying cause is important. Acne requires a different course of action. Unclogging the pores and killing the bacteria are the first two steps. A mask or cleanser to minimize oil is important and good diet and exercise also help.

5. Don't Pick It

If you suddenly develop a rash of pustules, go to the doctor to find the cause. Do not pinch, pick squeeze or pull the area. These little sacks hold the offender away from the body. Squeezing the pimple expresses pus sometimes but also causes scarring and may drive the infection back into the body. Learn the cause of the pustule. They may be simple, like a pimple, or the warning signal for something more serious.