Pustules are small-sized bumps on the skin that are filled with pus or fluid. These bumps can form on any part of the body, but they are quite common in the neck, back, face and chest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0B53hQF3l8
Even though these bumps are strikingly similar to pimples, they can grow bigger in size. Pustules can be treated with medications or even surgery.
Causes
It is important to note that pustules usually form after insect bites. They can also form if the skin is swollen due to an allergic response to certain foods, poisonous insect bites or exposure to environmental allergens. This is why appropriate measures must be carried out. This is possible by enrolling in a class on first aid today.
The most common cause of pustules is acne. When it comes to acne or pimples, it can cause swollen patches of skin that contain oil or pus. This skin condition develops once the skin pores are blocked. The accumulation of dead cells and the presence of bacteria on the skin can also lead to acne formation. The pustules due to acne are usually painful and hard. Once this occurs, the pustules become a cyst which is called as cystic acne.
Appearance of pustules
The pustules are easy to identify. They appear as small-sized bumps on the skin surface and are usually white or red with a white center. In most cases, the bump can be sore to the touch while the skin surrounding the bump is inflamed or red.
The usual locations where pustules form include the chest, shoulders, back, neck, face and areas of prominent hair growth such as the pubic area, underarms or hairline.
When to seek medical care
The pustules that abruptly erupt all over the face or appear as patches in other parts of the body might indicate a bacterial infection. A doctor must be consulted if the individual has a sudden outbreak of pustules.
In case the pustules are sore or leaking fluid, a doctor must assess them properly since these might be an indication of a serious skin infection.
It is advisable to seek medical attention if the individual experiences symptoms such as fever, clammy skin, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, pain in the area that contains the pustules as well as large-sized pustules that are sore.
Treatment of pustules
The small-sized pustules typically vanish without requiring any form of treatment. Over-the-counter acne medications, lotions, creams or soaps can be used on small acne pustules on the shoulders, back, arms, neck, chest and face.
The recommended topical medication that is used in treating pustules contains salicylic acid, peroxide and sulfur. Just remember though to be careful not to use products that contain sulfur if the individual has sulfur allergy. The over-the-counter medications work by drying up the upper skin layer and soaking in extra oil in the surface. Some products are quite strong and can cause the skin to dry excessively and peel.
If the individual has sensitive skin, look for products that are specifically made for his/her skin type. Avoid picking, squeezing or pinching the pustules since it can damage the skin or aggravate an infection. Do not use oil-based products such as petroleum jelly since they can worsen the skin condition or block the pores, causing more pustules to form.
Prescription medications for pustules
Prescription medications are also used in managing acne pustules, particularly those triggered by bacterial infections. The usual medications prescribed in treating acne pustules include oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics and prescription-strength salicylic acid.
In severe cases, photodynamic therapy which is a laser procedure can be used in removing the pustules.