What Is a Pustule?
A pustule is a bulging patch of skin that's full of a yellowish fluid called pus. The most common types are acne pimples. But several other conditions, ranging from chicken pox to psoriasis, can cause pustules.
They show up when you have an infection or inflammation and your body responds by flooding the affected skin with white blood cells. That can result in a mixture of fluid and dead white blood cells (pus).
When pus builds up under your skin or in a pore, it can cause a pustule.
Pustules vs. Papules
A papule is a solid, inflamed bump on your skin. It doesn't have a white or yellow center filled with pus. If you have an acne papule, it can turn into a pustule.
Like pustules, papules can have causes other than acne. For example, papules can be caused by allergic reactions and insect bites.
Pustule Symptoms
Pustules are small bumps with white or yellowish centers and outer rings that are red or darker than your skin. They may be tender or sore to the touch.
These bumps can show up on any part of your body. Depending on the cause, you may notice them on your:
- Face
- Neck
- Scalp
- Back
- Upper chest
- Buttocks
- Groin
- Arms and legs
- Hands and feet
Serious symptoms of pustules
Most pustules are harmless. But watch for signs of a serious skin infection, such as:
- Changes in color
- Swelling
- Pain
- Warmth
Also, check with your doctor if you have a big outbreak of pustules or other kinds of pimples or blisters all at once. If you have a fever, headaches, loss of appetite, or other body-wide symptoms, the pustules could be part of an illness, such as chicken pox.
How long do pustules last?
It depends on the cause. An acne pustule should start to clear up within a week. But pustules caused by a form of psoriasis called pustular psoriasis can last several weeks at a time. The blisters of chicken pox, which also are pustules, last about a week before they turn into scabs.
Pustule Causes
Several conditions can lead to pustules:
Acne. This very common skin condition causes pustules that are bigger than typical pimples. They happen when one of the pores in your skin gets so irritated that its walls break.
Psoriasis. This causes red, itchy, scaly patches on your skin. An infection, stress, certain chemicals, and some medications can all trigger an attack of pustular psoriasis. But only about 3% of people with psoriasis ever get pustular psoriasis.
Rosacea. This skin condition usually makes the skin on your face red and causes pimples. However, a form known as inflammatory rosacea can trigger pustules.
Chickenpox. This childhood disease and other illnesses caused by a related virus cause skin lesions that become pustules as the disease progresses.
Medication reactions. Some drugs can cause acne-like outbreaks of pustules and papules. These include corticosteroids, lithium, vitamin B12, thyroid hormones, and some antibiotics.
IgA pemphigus. Pustules are also a symptom of this rare autoimmune disease, which tries to destroy your skin and mucous membranes — the moist parts of your body. That can cause large blisters in your mouth, nose, throat, eyes, and genitals.
Smallpox. Pustules were one of the most obvious signs of this deadly disease that killed millions of people in past centuries. Thanks to a vaccine, the last case in the world happened in 1977. Samples of the virus are locked up in laboratories in the U.S. and Russia.
Pustule Diagnosis
In many cases, a doctor can have a pretty good idea of what's causing your pustules by just looking at your skin and asking you about any other symptoms and your medical history. If there's any question about what's causing your pustules, or if you're likely to need specialized treatment, they might send you to a dermatologist, a doctor specializing in skin disorders.
In some cases, a doctor might test your pustules for bacteria or fungus, so they can give you the right treatment.
If your pustules look like acne, the doctor may:
- Ask about the medicines you take
- Ask about your family history
- Order tests to see if another medical condition could be causing your acne
If you have psoriasis, the doctor might confirm the diagnosis by taking a sample of your skin (a biopsy) to look at with a microscope.
Pustule Home Treatment
Many kinds of pustules go away on their own. To speed healing, try these steps:
Wash gently. Gently wash the area with soap twice a day. Use a warm, clean cloth each time. And don't overdo it. Unless you get sweaty, avoid washing your face or other skin areas more than twice a day. Over washing can irritate your skin, causing more breakouts.
Try drugstore remedies. Apply an over-the-counter treatment such as calamine lotion, cortisone cream, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide gel. Be sure to ask your doctor which of these makes sense for your pustules.
Avoid irritation. Stay away from products that can irritate your skin. Look for makeup, sunscreens, moisturizers, and other products that are best for sensitive skin.
Don't pick. Don’t touch, pick at, or pop pustules. This can make the condition worse and lead to infection or scarring.
Pustule Medical Treatment
See your doctor if your pustules don’t get better in a few weeks or if you have frequent severe outbreaks. Also, get medical attention if you have a sudden large outbreak or additional symptoms of illness, like a fever. They’ll treat the condition that's causing them. This may involve medication such as:
- Antibiotic creams, lotions, ointments, or gels
- Antibiotic pills to take by mouth
- Antifungal creams, shampoos, or pills
- Steroid creams
- Prescription-strength azelaic or salicylic acid cream
- Dapsone (Aczone) gel
Pustule Prevention
While you might not be able to prevent acne, the most common cause of pustules, it can help to:
- Wash your face at least once a day with a mild cleanser.
- Stick to moisturizers and makeup products that don't clog pores.
- Remove any makeup at the end of each day.
- Keep your hair clean, especially at the hairline along your forehead.
- Avoid touching your face with your hands.
There's no way to prevent psoriasis, which is caused by an immune system problem that often runs in families. But you can work with your doctor to reduce flare-ups with treatment and lifestyle changes. Likewise, you might not be able to prevent rosacea but can reduce flare-ups by learning your triggers — which could include hot and cold air, alcohol, or spicy foods.
The best way to prevent chicken pox is to get vaccinated. Two doses of the chicken pox vaccine are recommended for anyone, of any age, who's never had chicken pox or been vaccinated for it.
Takeaways
Pustules are small inflamed or infected spots on your skin. They have pus-filled centers. The cause is usually acne, but a few other conditions can also cause pustules. If there's any question about what's causing your skin spots or if you have a sudden, severe outbreak of pustules, check with your doctor.
Pustules FAQs
Is it OK to squeeze pustules?
It's not a good idea to squeeze or pop a pustule. You can spread bacteria, irritate your skin, and even cause scarring.
How do you dry out pustules?
There are things you can do to speed the healing of pustules and other pimples, but avoid trying to dry out your skin. That can make things worse. Stick to treatments recommended for your skin condition and avoid using astringents, rubbing alcohol, or anything else that causes dryness.
How do you treat pustules overnight?
For acne pustules, you might get good results from over-the-counter products, especially benzoyl peroxide. You can put the cream, gel, or patch directly on your pimple. It works by killing the bacteria that clog your pores and cause inflammation. However, if you use it too often on the same spot, it can dry out and irritate your skin.
