Dermatology-Online

Pus pimples

definition

The term pus is understood as a superficial, small cavity in the skin that is filled with purulent secretion. In the broadest sense, pus pimples belong to the so-called primary skin changes (so-called primary efflorescences) in dermatology. The secretion inside the pus can be both infectious and germ-free.

introduction

Adolescents and young adults in particular are often plagued by pus pimples. The reason for this is usually the hormonal changes that come with growing up. This represents a particularly uncomfortable situation for the people concerned. Young people in particular usually place increased value on their appearance and are teased because of excessive pus pimples. For this reason, this form of skin changes can be very stressful and strongly affect the psyche of adolescents.
However, pus pimples are also a particularly unpleasant affair for adults. The main reason for this in these groups of people is the fact that the pus pimples often occur in unfavorable places.

Although there are certain factors that seem to promote the development of pus pimples, it can generally be assumed that genetic predisposition plays a decisive role. For this reason, a change in lifestyle and diet can improve the appearance of the skin, but cannot completely prevent the occurrence of pus pimples.

Even over-the-counter products from the drugstore only rarely lead to a significant improvement in the complexion of the skin. Unauthorized attempts at treatment, for example with home remedies, can even lead to the complexion deteriorating significantly. In particular, squeezing out the pus can ensure that bacterial pathogens penetrate the skin and provoke inflammatory processes.
People who suffer from pus pimples particularly often should therefore not hesitate to consult a specialist in dermatology (dermatologist) as soon as possible. They can best assess the extent of the skin impurities and initiate appropriate treatment.

In addition, the dermatologist can give each patient individual tips that will help prevent the development of pus pimples in the long term.

Enzyme peels can also help to ensure the purity of the skin and allow the pores to breathe. One example of this is the Dr. Severin enzyme peeling from the pharmacy.

The possible causes

In adolescents and young adults, pus pimples are often a symptom associated with an adolescent disease such as acne or hormonal disorders.

Pus pimples always occur when the pores of the skin are clogged with sebum, dirt or sweat. In this way, the sebum produced within the skin can no longer adequately drain away. In most cases, however, the actual triggers for the formation of a pus pimple are bacterial pathogens that can settle in the area of the blocked pores, multiply and provoke inflammatory processes.
The more sebum that is produced in the area of a clogged pore, however, the more susceptible it becomes to bacterial pathogens. An increase in sebum production always occurs when the hormone balance changes. For this reason, adolescents and young adults who are going through puberty are particularly prone to developing pus pimples.
But other situations can also cause a sharp increase in hormones in the body and thus the formation of pus pimples. Pregnancy, for example, triggers major changes in the hormonal balance in many women. In the women affected, this typically leads to an impure complexion and thus to the development of pus pimples.
The tendency to get an excessive number of pus pimples, however, depends to a large extent on the genetic disposition.

In addition, various cosmetics can increase the risk of blemishes and breakouts occurring. For example, if too much makeup is applied to the surface of the skin, the pores can become clogged. This, in turn, can cause pus pimples to form on the sensitive skin of the face. For this reason, when buying cosmetic products, you should always ensure that they are free from oils and so-called hypoallergens are.

But personal hygiene also plays a decisive role in the development of skin blemishes and pus pimples. For this reason, the skin of the entire body should be cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis. In this way, dirt particles, sweat and bacteria can adhere less well to the surface of the skin. In addition, the weekly application of a special peeling can help prevent the development of skin blemishes. In this context, however, it is important to note that excessive peeling of the skin can impair its own protection. The protective horny layer on the surface of the skin is removed and the protective acid mantle, which can fight off bacterial pathogens, is destroyed. This in turn can even promote the formation of pus pimples. For this reason, the skin should not be exfoliated more than once a week.

Another cause of pus pimples is said to be poor diet. Above all, excessive consumption of sweets, pizza and fatty or fried foods is said to promote the development of blemishes.
In addition, it can be observed that a large number of those affected tend to develop pus pimples, especially when they are under a lot of stress.

Find out all about the topic here: Acne.

The treatment

There are several ways to treat a pus pimple. The choice of the most suitable therapy strategy depends primarily on the cause of the development of the pus pimple. In the case of blackheads or a pus pimple that occurs as part of mild acne, the skin should be treated with an appropriate care product. Affected people should ensure that they always use fragrance-free and pH-neutral washing lotions and creams when caring for their skin. Too aggressive cleaning agents often lead to the complexion deteriorating further and more pus pimples appear.
After thoroughly cleaning the skin surface, you should also refrain from oily and greasy day creams. These can clog the pores of the skin and encourage the development of more pus pimples. For this reason it is better to use skin care creams that are made on a water basis. This principle also applies to the choice of make-up and sun creams.

If the pus pimples are particularly pronounced, a visit to the dermatologist may be necessary. This is the best way to assess the complexion and initiate appropriate treatment.

Drug therapy for a pus pimple can be done from the inside as well as from the outside. In the external treatment of a pus pimple, special ointments or creams are usually used. These products ensure that the inflammatory processes go back and cannot spread any further. In particular, the use of antibiotic or vitamin A acid-containing care products has proven itself in the treatment of pus pimples. People who have pus pimples should always note that the pus-filled skin manifestations may under no circumstances be expressed independently. This can potentially lead to serious infections or further pus pimples.

Find out more about the topic here: How to Get Rid of Pimples.

The localization of pus pimples

The pimples on the face

Almost everyone is affected by pus pimples on the face from time to time. The pus pimples mainly occur during puberty. They occur when blocked sebum glands become inflamed. Bacteria infect the inflamed sebaceous glands and the pus pimples develop. If blackheads, inflamed lumps and pus pimples appear at the same time, acne must be suspected. Propionibacteria play an important role in the development of pus pimples.

Folliculitis caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus can also cause single or multiple pus pimples on the face, which should lead to local antibiotic therapy. Folliculitis on the face mainly affects men, with pus pimples forming primarily in the area of the whiskers.

The hair follicle inflammation - You can read on here.

Since pus pimples on the face are harmless in most cases - especially if they occur individually - those affected do not need to see a doctor for these pimples. However, the doctor should be consulted if the pimples come back, spread, are extremely painful, suspect acne or if general symptoms such as fever occur next to the pimple.
The pimple formation can also have a negative impact on the psyche and self-confidence if it spreads over a large area. Treatment of the pus is also advisable in this case.

For more detailed information on this topic, see: Pus pimples on the face - how do I get rid of them quickly?

Pus pimples on the scalp

Pus pimples - especially single ones - are more common on the scalp and shouldn't cause concern. A doctor should be consulted if multiple or recurring pus pimples occur or if accompanying symptoms such as fever occur.

Clogged skin pores in particular can trigger pus pimples on the scalp. If hair products, such as shampoos, are not tolerated, this can also provoke the development of pus pimples. Inflammation of the hair follicles caused by bacteria (folliculitis) can also cause pus pimples on the scalp. Since the occurrence of an inflammation of the hair follicles is associated with neurodermatitis and diabetes mellitus, these diseases should be ruled out by a doctor.
In some cases, pus pimples can also occur more easily during an immune deficiency, for example during a severe cold. Stress can also provoke the development of pus pimples on the scalp.

You can find more on this topic here: Pus pimples on the scalp.

Pimples in the mouth / gums

Acidic foods and drinks cause the mucous membrane in the area of the pus to become inflamed. In most cases, this leads to severe, burning pain. Depending on the exact location of a pus in the mouth or in the gums, food intake can even be painful and thus restricted.
In most cases, the reason for the development of a pus pimple in the mouth or gums is the use of toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate. With regular contact, this active ingredient causes irritation of the mucous membrane and gums and thus the appearance of pus pimples.
In addition, various bacteria that cause tooth decay or periodontitis can lead to inflammatory processes in the mouth and gums. Pus pimples in this area are not uncommon for those affected.

A pus that appears in the mouth or gums must not be simply expressed under any circumstances. Otherwise, the bacterial pathogens contained in the purulent secretion can get into the bloodstream and cause blood poisoning. Also, squeezing out a pimple in the mouth or gums can cause serious brain infections.

The only effective treatment for pus pimples in this area is to stop the triggering factor. People who frequently notice pus pimples in the mouth or gums should therefore switch to a toothpaste free of sodium lauryl sulfate.

You can find more information on this topic here: Pus in the mouth.

Pus pimples on the bottom

Because many people feel embarrassed about a pus pimple, this topic is kept secret. However, the causes for the appearance of a pus pimple on the buttocks are in most cases completely harmless and can be treated well. People who often suffer from pus pimples on their buttocks should therefore not shy away from visiting a specialist in dermatology (dermatologist).

Above all, profuse sweating and the friction between the surface of the skin and pants lead to the fact that many people have pus pimples again and again. In addition, synthetic materials and intolerance to various detergents or fabric softeners are the most common causes of repeated pus pimples on the bottom. In addition, the hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy or in the course of menopause can promote the development of pus pimples on the buttocks. Ingrown hairs are also the main cause in men.

Affected people can significantly improve the complexion of their buttocks through adequate hygiene and regular use of peeling products. Loose clothing, which ideally has a high cotton content, can help prevent pus pimples on the buttocks.

In the case of painful and particularly large pus pimples on the buttocks, a dermatologist should be consulted immediately and asked for advice. It can be assumed that small pus pimples on the buttocks are harmless in most cases, but large, severely inflamed bumps are often of pathological origin. Especially in adults, the increased formation of large pus pimples on the buttocks is often due to acne inverses. This is a chronic disease of sebum glands and / or hair follicles, which can be accompanied by particularly painful pus pimples.

For more information, read on: Pus pimples on the bottom.

Pus on the leg

Pus pimples can also develop on the leg due to the inflammation of the hair follicles (folliculitis). Folliculitis occurs sporadically, but it can always come back. The folliculitis can develop into a boil, which is very painful and can be up to 2 cm in size.

Boils tend to occur on the thighs and can also be associated with general symptoms such as fever. If the boil becomes very red, antibiotic therapy should definitely be used.
Shaving the legs can also provoke the development of pus pimples.

More information about boil you'll find here.

Pus pimples in the genital area

Pus pimples in the genital area occur mainly in people who regularly depilate their intimate area. Especially when using dry or wet razors, small, reddish pimples can often be observed a short time after shaving. If bacterial pathogens penetrate the skin in this area, the organism reacts by initiating inflammatory processes. Pus pimples sprout on the affected areas.

The formation of such shaving-related pus pimples in the genital area can, however, be avoided in many cases.It is particularly important to carefully cleanse and soften the skin of the genital area before shaving. Afterwards, the skin surface can be creamed with a special shaving gel or with shaving foam. In this context, however, it must be noted that the use of a shaving gel only makes sense if it can work over a short period of time. In this way, the hairs can be softened before shaving and then removed more gently. In addition, skin-friendly products without perfume should always be used.

The use of sharp razor blades can also help effectively prevent the development of pus pimples in the genital area. People who tend to develop pus pimples after shaving should also remember to treat sensitive skin with a soothing cream. The use of aftershave in the genital area should be avoided.

To prevent pus pimples after shaving, also read: Pubic hair removal with instructions

Pus in the vagina

Pus pimples in the vagina have the same properties as pimples on other parts of the body. The causes for the development of pimples are varied and are also similar to the causes of the development of pimples on the rest of the body. Clogged skin pores, inflamed hair follicles, allergic reactions or hormone fluctuations can cause pus pimples in the vagina.

In general, pus pimples in or around the vagina are harmless. However, if these occur repeatedly or over a large area or if they cause severe pain, a doctor should be consulted to clarify the cause.

Pus on shoulder

Pus pimples on the shoulder not only look unaesthetic, they can also cause pain. If it is a single pimple, it is usually gone after a few days.
However, if there are several pus pimples on other parts of the body, it can be assumed that it could be acne.

Read on here: Pus pimples on the shoulder - causes & therapy

Pus in the nose

There are many nerves in the human nose. Because of this, a pus pimple that develops in the nose can cause severe pain. Both the treatment and the prevention of pus pimples in the nose, however, depend primarily on their cause. For this reason, people who repeatedly notice a pus pimple on their nose should see a specialist in dermatology (dermatologist).

Clogged pores play a crucial role in the development of a pus pimple in the nose. Ingrown hairs that provoke inflammatory processes are also one of the most common causes of pus pimples in the area of the nasal mucosa. Especially in the cold times of the year, when the nasal mucosa of many people is dried out and irritated by infections of the upper respiratory tract, pus pimples can appear quickly. In addition, it can be observed that frequent drilling into the nose promotes the development of purulent pimples.

People who notice a pus pimple on their nose should never express it themselves. Not only is it particularly difficult to squeeze out the pus in this area, but it can also be extremely dangerous. When expressing a pus in the nose, bacterial pathogens can enter the mucous membrane and provoke serious infections.
The best strategy for dealing with a pus pimple in the nose is therefore to let it dry out. In addition, a little tea tree oil, which is carefully applied to the pimple with a cotton swab, can help speed up the healing process.

Read our main article at this point and learn more about the topic at: Pus in the nose

Pus in the eye

A pus pimple on the eye is a bacterial inflammation of an eyelid gland, also known as a stye (hordeolum). The stye is a common occurrence and is mostly triggered by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, the appearance of stye is associated with acne and diabetes (diabetes mellitus). Therefore, if it occurs frequently, a blood test should also be carried out to test the blood sugar.

The pus pimple on the eyelid is painful, red and has a central point of pus. Sometimes the pus bursts open and the pus empties.

Antibiotic therapy using eye drops can be carried out locally. Heat therapy can also accelerate healing. In most cases, the course of the stye is uncomplicated. In rare cases, the inflammation can spread over a large area to the eye socket, which must be treated with oral antibiotic therapy.

Read more on this topic at: Pus in the eye.

Pus in the ear

A pus pimple can appear anywhere on the body. While this form of skin manifestation is not very problematic in some places, a pus pimple in the ear can be very painful for those affected.

The cause of a pus pimple in the area of the ear is in most cases an increased production of ear wax. Ear wax is a particularly sticky substance that tends to clog the pores in the surface of the skin, thus promoting the development of a pus pimple.

Even with a pus pimple in the ear, the principle applies that it must not be expressed independently under any circumstances. Affected patients can often help themselves with a pus pimple in the ear. First of all, the skin surface of the ear must be thoroughly cleaned with a facial toner that contains alcohol. A small amount of natural tea tree oil can then be applied to a fresh cotton swab and applied to the pus pimple. This treatment measure can be repeated as often as desired. The mechanism of action of tea tree oil is mainly based on its ability to slowly dry out the pus pimple. Tea tree oil is also said to have an antibacterial effect.

Pus in the throat

If a pus pimple occurs in the throat or nasopharynx, this can be particularly painful. In addition, the inflammatory processes associated with the pus can severely limit food intake. In particular, the consumption of acidic foods and drinks can cause severe pain in the presence of a pus pimple in the neck.

For this reason, people who notice a pus pimple in the throat should see a specialist immediately. They can best assess the extent of the disease and initiate appropriate treatment.

Read more on this topic at: Pus in the throat.

Pus on the abdomen

Since the abdomen is not a typical place for pus pimples, these occur relatively rarely on the abdomen. Inflammation of the hair on the stomach after shaving is often the reason for the development of pimples. Therefore, care should be taken to keep the skin hygienic after shaving to prevent bacteria from entering the small skin wounds caused by shaving.

Furthermore, pimples are provoked by allergic reactions, for example to new clothes, detergents or care products. In these cases, these should be identified and no longer used. If pus pimples appear on the abdomen, it can also be caused by infected insect bites. These are initially red and itchy and can then develop into pus pimples due to the infection with bacteria.

Are you interested in this topic? Read more about this in the next article under: Pus on the abdomen