Pimple with white pus (English)

Purulent rashes are an inflammatory disease of the skin that occurs due to the abundant production of secretions by the sebaceous glands. Excess fat clogs the sebaceous ducts.

Purulent pimples on the face, the causes of which are very diverse, bring a lot of trouble to their owner: an unaesthetic appearance, sometimes pain. When left on the skin for a long time, these formations lead to the appearance of scars and scars. The most vulnerable areas where acne can appear include the chest, head, back, buttocks, intimate area, and face.

Types of acne

The nature of acne is quite diverse. Each of its manifestations differs in the reasons for its appearance, the mechanism of development and has individual characteristics. Experts classify several types of the disease.

Non-inflammatory nature of acne

Open comedon (comedonica) is a plug that is formed as a result of clogging of the hair follicle. It consists of dermal scales that have taken on a keratinized appearance and clots of sebum. At first, the cork is transparent or whitish in color. Over time, the lard hardens, forming a yellow or white lump. Oxygen promotes the oxidation of fat and turns it into a black dot with a diameter of 0.1–2 mm. The comedone-filling mass can be easily removed by squeezing. Few, non-inflamed, open comedones are a normal condition of the skin.

A closed comedon has the same type of formation as an open one. However, the plug forms at the bottom of the pore and does not come out. Excess sebum leads to expansion of the sebaceous gland, resulting in the formation of a wen. Sometimes it rises above the skin, sometimes it can only be felt. It is quite difficult to squeeze out a closed comedone.

You can find out more detailed information about comedones and how to treat them here.

Inflammatory nature of acne

Papule is the immune system’s response to inflammation. Sebum clogs the pores of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. The pore walls begin to stretch and microcysts form. External, mechanical factors (cleaning the dermis on your own or in a beauty salon, constantly feeling the face, etc.) contribute to rupture of the cyst wall. The contents enter the surrounding tissues.

Aseptic (without the participation of pathogenic microorganisms) inflammation in the form of a papule is a reaction of the immune system. The papule is a dense red or pink ball, up to 1 cm in diameter, which rises slightly above the skin. When pressed, it turns pale, but within a short time it returns to its original color. Closed comedones often contribute to the appearance of papules. If it forms from an open comedon, a dark plug is visible through the skin. The inflammation that occurs in the papule affects the upper layers of the dermis and, after disappearing, does not leave scars or scars (a dark spot may appear, which quickly disappears). In appearance, papules can be round, oval, flat (lenticular), cone-shaped (miliary).

Purulent processes in the epidermis form pustules on the face and back. They are a cavitary acute inflammatory element containing pus. Dimensions – up to 1 cm. Pus in pimples is represented by a loose, white head that can burst with the slightest pressure. The edges of the formation are limited by the reddened dermis. Pus is white or with a grayish tint. A color change to yellow-green indicates a secondary infection.

The formation of pustules can be independent or from papules containing pathogenic or opportunistic microflora.

The shape of pustules can be hemispherical, cone-shaped, flat or spherical.

Pustules are divided into superficial (epidermal, impetigo) and deep (dermal).

Impetigo is small pustules on the face that dry out and form crusts. When opened they cause erosion. They leave no traces or scars. The skin may only experience temporary pigmentation.

When opened, deep pustules form ulcers that crust over. The falling off of the crusts is accompanied by the appearance of scars.

Also, white pustules on the face can be follicular (affect the hair columns) and non-follicular. The reason for the formation of the former is mainly staphylococcal, while non-follicular ones are caused by streptococcus.

A node is a papule that has a diameter of more than 1 cm. Inflammatory processes in this case affect the deep layers of the skin, abscesses on the face cause pain. In place of the healed nodes, the formation of pigment spots, atrophic or keloid scars of large sizes occurs.

Cystic formation represents the most severe form of acne. Developing cysts under the skin fill with pus and processed sebum. If several cysts are located nearby, they merge and form a chain, which is connected by fistula ducts.

Cystic formations are nodular in nature and have a bluish tint. Treatment is difficult and leaves scars.

Severity of manifestation

The severity of acne is classified into degrees:

First. Limited areas of the face are affected (chin or nose, etc.). The skin is covered with closed or open comedones. The latter predominate. Single superficial papules and pustules appear, white pimples on the chin.

Second. It is characterized by damage to a larger surface of the face and the appearance of a rash on the body. The rashes are the same as in the first stage - open and closed comedones, the presence of few papules and pustules is observed.

Third. It manifests itself as open and closed comedones, as well as deep papules and pustules, which form in large numbers. Inflammatory processes can lead to redness of the affected skin and itching. There are scars and spots - traces of post-acne.

Fourth. Large purulent pimples on the face and body (diameter greater than 5 mm) are bluish-red in color and cause pain to the owner. When the formations are located close to each other, they are connected using fistulous tracts. With successful treatment, deep atrophic scars remain (resemble depressions on the surface of the dermis).

Causes of acne formation

Why do acne appear on the face? They signal abnormal functioning of the body. Main factors:

disturbed hormonal levels. Facial rashes often appear in adolescents due to increased androgen levels. Before the start of the menstrual cycle in women, due to an increase in steroids.

hereditary factor. An abscess on the face cannot be transmitted from parents to children, but the peculiarities of the structure and functioning of the sebaceous glands can;
wrong diet. Frequent consumption of coffee, dairy products, sweets and flour products, fats, nuts, as well as all kinds of chips and chocolate bars can harm the skin;
emotional condition. Frequent and prolonged stress, anxiety, psycho-emotional stress can lead to the appearance of rashes;
external factors. These include: unfavorable environmental conditions, weather conditions, the effect of harmful substances on the skin;
purulent acne can occur when the body is exposed to a bacterial infection (for example, staphylococcus, streptococcus);
incorrectly selected cosmetics;
disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract;
infection, in case of transmission of infection when squeezing pimples.

Acne treatment

When, for example, our forehead is covered in pimples, we try to quickly find a remedy that will help get rid of them. Fortunately, their diversity allows the patient to independently decide how to treat purulent acne.

It is not recommended to squeeze out pimples on your own. It is better to contact a specialist who will determine the cause of their formation and prescribe qualified treatment. You can learn more about the dangers of self-medication from the video:

К медикаментозным препаратам против прыщей относят мази, лосьоны и гели. Каждое средство от гнойных прыщей необходимо подбирать в индивидуальном порядке и строго придерживаться инструкции по его применению.

With the help of deep facial cleansing, chemical peeling, ozone therapy, mesotherapy, photo and laser therapy and other cosmetic procedures, you can achieve excellent results.

The use of folk remedies: calendula tincture, lemon juice, aloe, celandine, bodyagi, tea tree oil and others can serve as both a primary and an additional method of treatment.

Prolonged inflammatory processes lead to disruption of the cellular nutrition of the skin, reduce its reparative abilities, which leads to the appearance of small atrophic scars, uneven pigmentation, decreased tone and deterioration of the texture of the skin.

Strong immunity, proper nutrition, drinking plenty of clean water and hygiene are the main preventive measures against acne.

Everyone strives for clean and beautiful facial skin, so the appearance of acne on it is always frustrating, brings embarrassment and discomfort, worsens the quality of life and leads to the development of complexes.

Particularly unpleasant are purulent formations that appear unexpectedly, always hurt, grow to large sizes and take a long time to mature.

What it is

Purulent acne (pustules) is a purulent inflammation of the hair follicle and the adjacent sebaceous or sweat gland. They appear either singly or en masse on any part of the body, but most often on the face.

Visually, edema, swelling and a small white head are visible at the site of their formation. There is a purulent core inside, which causes discomfort, itching, and pain throughout the entire development stage. Unpleasant symptoms disappear after the formation is opened and the purulent mass comes out.

Is it possible to press

Doctors also do not recommend this manipulation for the following reasons:

You can become infected with furunculosis.
Dirt and dust can get into the wound from unclean nails and hands, which will lead to infection of the deep layers of the skin and damage to the sebaceous glands.
Inflammation can quickly spread to healthy areas or cause blood poisoning.
Scars form.

Opening a pustule can only be trusted to a cosmetologist. For self-treatment, there are now a lot of products that can be freely purchased at the pharmacy.

Causes of purulent acne on the face

Usually the reason for the formation of purulent acne is skin irritation or clogging of pores with dust. But it is not only insufficient hygiene that is to blame for this.

Often, many internal and external conditions affect their appearance, even if hygiene procedures are carried out regularly and efficiently.

In men

At the age of up to 20 years, purulent rashes are provoked by hormonal activity, which is characteristic of puberty. Almost 60% of young people are susceptible to this phenomenon.

Factors that cause acne are also:

disruption of hormone levels;
hereditary predisposition;
low sexual activity;
pathologies of the digestive system;
hyperkeratosis is a skin disease that is accompanied by thickening of the stratum corneum;
physical weakness;
psycho-emotional fatigue;
long-term use of hormones (anabolic steroids) or certain medications (for example, antibiotics);
poor nutrition, as well as violation of eating habits;
skin irritation after shaving.

The child has

In babies under six months of age, neonatal pustulosis is considered normal and occurs in every second child. Usually pimples are located on the face and head, rarely on the neck and ears.

The exact reason for their appearance is not known. But doctors are considering 2 versions: changes in hormonal levels and adaptation of the child’s body in a new environment (anhydrous). The formations do not bother the child in any way and pass quickly.

The list of reasons why rashes appear in children under one and a half years old is expanding. These are mainly “childhood” diseases, although poor nutrition, poor hygiene and low immunity cannot be ruled out.

Conditions in which an abscess is one of the symptoms include:

Milia – a skin disease that manifests itself due to weak functioning of the sebaceous glands.
Diathesis - the predisposition of the child’s body to manifest a pathological reaction to an external stimulus or is a harbinger of a certain disease.
Intertrigo - a skin disease that occurs when the skin is regularly exposed to a damp environment.

In children of kindergarten and primary school age, the rash appears due to:

insufficient hygiene;
microtraumas;
poor nutrition;
digestive problems.

Among women

The formation of pustules is explained:

Wrong choice of caring and decorative cosmetics or their low quality.
Hormonal changes in adolescence, before menstruation, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and entering menopause.
Skin infection.

Timely adoption of measures to eliminate many of these causes will help reduce the likelihood of the formation of purulent acne.

Prevention

Doctors never cease to repeat that the best way to prevent disease is prevention. This also applies to the appearance of ulcers on the face.

To prevent their occurrence, you must adhere to the following rules:

Do not use expired cosmetics.
Maintain cleanliness and promptly change sponges, powder, and brushes.
Remove all makeup at night.
Do not squeeze pimples yourself.
Adjust your diet by eliminating or reducing “harmful” foods.
Use antibacterial skin care products regularly.
Lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

How to use acne gel on face? More details here.

How to treat

Treatment of ulcers involves an integrated approach to the problem, and in addition to eliminating the external manifestation, it implies getting rid of the cause that caused their appearance.

Medication

The choice of medications is extensive, and without the help of a doctor you can get lost in their range. All funds are selected individually. Also, a treatment regimen is developed for each patient, depending on the causative factor.

External means

Vishnevsky ointment

Has strong healing and regenerating effects. The principle of its action is to warm the abscess and skin area, which accelerates the breakout of the pimple and draws out pus from the wound.

Used according to the scheme:

Fold sterile gauze into 4 layers.
Apply a little ointment to it.
Apply a compress to the problem area.
Cover the top with polyethylene and secure with adhesive tape.

The ointment is also used to prevent the formation of pustules: you need to lubricate the area that is bothered by pain and itching, and after 30-40 minutes. wash off. The product is not recommended for use with highly sensitive skin.

Video: Vishnevsky ointment - all about the drug

Baziron AS

The gel stops the proliferation of bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms, thereby eliminating the main cause of acne.

The application rules are the same as the previous product with the only difference that “Baziron AS” is applied with massage movements 2 times a day: in the morning and at night.

In addition to the above mentioned remedies, you can use ichthyol, syntomycin and salicylic ointments to eliminate ulcers. Metrogyl, Levomekol, Zinerit, Skinoren-gel dry and heal the wound well.

Domestic

The following medications are prescribed for internal use:

Antibiotics: Erythromycin, Levomycetin, Metronidazole.
Hormones in birth control pills: “Yarina”, “Jess”.
Retinoids: Roaccutane, Retinol Palmitate.
Probiotics: “Lactofiltrum”, Linex.”
Vitamin and mineral complexes.

The results of using each remedy are individual and depend on the cause, characteristics of the body, immunity, and also on the severity of the condition.

Folk remedies

In alternative medicine, there are recipes that help eliminate purulent acne on the face. But their use is possible only after consultation with a doctor and his approval.

Well proven:

St. John's wort. Prepare a decoction: 2 tbsp. l. pour the flowers of the plant with 2 tbsp. water, simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes. After cooling, strain and wipe the skin twice a day.
Sagebrush. To prepare the infusion 2 tbsp. l. 500 ml of dried plant is poured. boiling water, infuse for 8-9 hours. Afterwards, the product is filtered and used as directed 4 times a day.
Plantain. The juice of the plant is a strong antiseptic and has an effect on wound healing. It can be used to treat both the inflamed area and the entire face for preventive purposes 4-6 times a day.

To combat purulent formations, you can also take mustard powder, iodine, tar soap, chamomile, oatmeal with lemon juice, calendula, aloe, etc.

What not to do

To at least somehow protect yourself from the occurrence of rashes on your face, you cannot:

ignore proper hygiene;
use other people's brushes, brushes and expired cosmetics;
touching your face with dirty hands;
delay treatment of systemic diseases;
self-medicate, as well as exceed the dosage and course of taking medications prescribed by a doctor;
eat “junk” food.

Skin care

Measures to prevent the formation of pustules also include proper skin care.

To keep it healthy and beautiful, it is enough to understand a few simple rules:

Drink at least 2 liters. water every day.
Don't forget to remove your makeup before going to bed.
Regularly moisturize your skin with special products.
Be careful and moderate when applying makeup.
Use cosmetics that are suitable for your age and skin type.
Protect skin from ultraviolet rays.
Clean it regularly.

Pimples on the face are a problem for many nowadays, especially if they are purulent. Some immediately run to a dermatologist or cosmetologist, while others begin to look for all kinds of recipes in magazines or the Internet. As a result, the former get rid of them much faster, while the latter take longer to treat them or worsen the situation.

What purulent pimples are, their types and how to treat them is described in detail in this article.

The content of the article:

Causes

There are many reasons for the occurrence of acne on the face, but the mechanism of the appearance of an abscess is the accumulation of subcutaneous sebum in the pores. This fat cannot come out for certain reasons and begins to become inflamed, thereby forming a red bump on the surface of the skin. At this stage, a person can squeeze it out, or he can wait for the rod to mature.

It is important to know! If the pus from a pimple is not completely squeezed out, the residue may cause the abscess to grow larger than it was, and the infection may spread to nearby pores. There is a high probability that several more will appear next to the squeezed pimple.

But still, why do purulent acne appear on the face? The reasons for their occurrence are described below.

Age. Girls and boys of school age are often susceptible to acne and all other types of pimples. This period is called puberty. As you grow older and your body changes during adolescence, hormonal imbalances are common. The hyperactivity of hormones changes the body of a child into the body of an adult: boys’ voices become rougher and erections appear, while girls’ breasts begin to grow, menstruation appears and, as a result, acne appears.
Hormonal imbalance in women during menstruation or its absence, pregnancy or menopause, it leads to the appearance of purulent acne on the face, neck, back or chest.
Poor nutrition, and as a result, problems with the gastrointestinal tract can cause problematic facial skin. This item includes liver problems due to alcohol abuse, fatty foods, etc.
Hyperkeratosis is a pathology characterized by the rapid division of skin cells, subsequently causing their rapid keratinization and exfoliation. The skin of the face becomes covered with red bumps, where subcutaneous fat accumulates under them in the pores. The pores are clogged with particles of dead cells and bacteria and then pus begin to appear in the accumulated fat. The causes of hyperkeratosis are pathologies of the body, impaired blood supply to certain parts of the body, lack or excess of vitamins.
Ungroomed facial skin. Lack of cleansing of the skin or inaction when acne occurs leads to a worsening of the problem.
Squeezing out ulcers. Not a single doctor advises squeezing ulcers, no matter how terrible they may seem. Improper extrusion makes the problem worse. If there is no pus left inside after squeezing out, and the wound after the pimple has healed in a few days, a scar will still remain, which is much more difficult to get rid of.
Nerves and stressful situations. The more stressful situations every day, the more the body’s immunity to different types of bacteria decreases. The skin stops coping with inflammation and as a result, an abscess appears.
Using inappropriate cosmetics leads to the occurrence of inflammatory processes. This also includes touching your face with dirty hands, using other people's cosmetics or special makeup brushes.
Taking steroid drugs or antibiotics. Athletes who take steroids often experience skin problems.

Frequent use of antibiotics leads to the appearance of medicinal acne.

Whatever the cause of acne, measures should be taken immediately. To know how to properly get rid of pimples, you need to understand what types there are.

Types of purulent acne

Depending on the time of maturation and shape, several types of acne are distinguished.

Comedo. It appears as soon as the pore is clogged with a sebaceous plug. Can be closed or open. Cutaneous - open, easily removed, it contains liquid and is black in color. In other words, it's an eel. The closed one is formed under the skin and is visible to us as a white ball. This is a wen or white purulent pimple.
If an infection somehow gets into the comedone, then a fast-moving pimple forms papule. This is a fully formed pimple, it feels painful when pressed, and the color varies from red to purple. No pus is visible
The papule may develop into pustule, a more severe form. But it doesn't always appear this way. It can be primary, and they are popularly known as “red pimples.” The difference from a papule is that a white dot appears on the red tubercle.
Nodular cystic acne - This is a severe form of pustules. They are interconnected by fistulous ducts and form conglomerates. Accompanied by painful sensations over the entire surface of the skin with acne. They require immediate treatment, as they leave huge scars.
The most severe form of acne is lightning acne. They are accompanied by muscle and bone pain and tend to change the leukocyte form of the blood. With this type of rash, acne affects large areas of the skin and requires urgent medical intervention.

The presence of any type of acne on a person’s body or face can be called a disease. Therefore, there are several degrees of severity of its occurrence.

First degree The disease involves infection of small areas of the skin with comedones, sometimes with the appearance of papules and even more rarely pustules.
Second degree severity differs from the first only in the area of the rashes. Papules and pustules are rare, mostly the skin is covered with comedones.
Third degree accompanied by comedones, papules and pustules in large quantities. Acne is pronounced, the skin may be a little itchy, and small acne scars remain.
Fourth degree requires urgent treatment. The skin is covered with bumps up to 5 mm in diameter, the color of which reaches bluish color. Acne leaves behind pits.

Note! You should not independently diagnose the degree of the disease and determine the type of purulent acne. As soon as skin problems begin, you should immediately consult a doctor!

How to get rid of it?

To get rid of ulcers on the face, you should immediately determine the cause. Girls need to review their cosmetics for compatibility with their skin type and expiration date, and exclude other people's cosmetics from use. It may be worth purchasing a drying toner and a cleansing facial scrub. A zinc-based mask would also be useful.
It’s worth starting to control yourself about touching your face with your hands. Even if dirt is clearly invisible on the palms, bacteria are still present and, when they get on areas of the skin with acne, they aggravate the situation.
You need to wash your face at least 2 times a day – morning and evening. It is better to use the above mentioned products to cleanse and tone the skin. Using a cream with a light texture will also not hurt both women and men.
As previously found out, hassle has a detrimental effect on the condition of the skin. In this case, you should think about your daily life and try to eliminate or minimize irritating factors.

The above remedies can help during puberty or with the first degree of severity of the disease. If there are no visible improvements, you should immediately see a doctor. Treatment by a dermatologist may cost a little more than using folk remedies, but it will still be more effective.

First of all, you need get tested for infections. Depending on the result, treatment may include antibiotics and antibacterial agents in the form of tablets for oral administration. It also depends on the severity of the disease. The course of treatment can last from 1 week to 6 months or longer.

Be careful! Self-medication can harm your health! You should not take antibiotics or antimicrobials without consulting your dermatologist or other doctors. The components of these drugs can adversely affect internal organs.

Widely used in the treatment of purulent acne antibacterial, antimicrobial ointments, gels and lotions. You can purchase them at the pharmacy yourself or consult a doctor to select the right product. An effective ointment for purulent acne on the face - Levomekol. Zinerit lotion, Zinc gel, Skinoren gel, Metrogyl gel, etc. are popular.

If the cause of the ulcers turns out to be a hormonal imbalance, in this case drugs that contain corticosteroids are used. They are prescribed both in tablets and as an ointment. For example, Hydrocortisone ointment, etc.

As is already known, ulcers still arise due to problems with the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, you should adhere to a diet: exclude fatty foods, alcohol, cigarettes, smoked foods from the daily diet and eat less flour. Eat only fresh and low-fat foods. To this you can add combined dietary supplements, brewer's yeast, Lactrofiltrum to the diet, that is, drugs that bind and remove fats from the body.

The above drugs are prescribed by a dermatologist after passing certain tests, and, as a result, the treatment is always effective. But there is another option visits to a cosmetologist. Beauty salons provide services:

Laser treatment of purulent acne.
Phototherapy of acne.
Peeling.
Mechanical facial cleansing.
Mesotherapy.
Ozone therapy.
Cryotherapy.

The cost of a cosmetologist's services is much higher than a visit to a dermatologist. There may be several procedures to get rid of acne, depending on the severity of the acne disease, and all of them are paid.

Something to remember! In beauty salons, you should contact trusted professionals who have the appropriate qualifications and documents confirming them.

Treatment with folk remedies

There are really effective remedies for purulent acne that have been used for decades. Among these remedies there are also medications, but doctors have stopped prescribing them for one reason or another.

Remedy for purulent acne on the face No. 1 – aloe. Alcohol tincture or using fresh aloe juice is good for treating purulent acne. This is because the leaves of the plant contain bactericidal properties. Four-year-old plants help better in treatment.
To prepare the tincture you need to take aloe leaves and 70% alcohol (at least vodka) in a ratio of 1:5. The leaves should rest in a cool place for 10-15 days. Next, grind the aloe in any convenient way, add alcohol and leave for another 10 days in a cold place. The tincture is ready for use.
Another option is to use aloe. Take a leaf and divide it lengthwise into two parts so that there is pulp on one side. Next, you can do it in two ways:
• Rub the side of the aloe with the pulp on your face and, without wiping, let it absorb for 2 minutes. Do this at night for several weeks in a row until the acne goes away. Cut a small piece of aloe from the leaf.
• Cut it so that the flesh is visible. Take a breathable patch and stick it to the pulp side of the aloe vera to the pimple. The procedure is done at night.
Iodine Apply to the pimple at night. It has a drying effect and relieves internal inflammation. The course of treatment is up to 7 days. You need to apply a cotton swab with iodine to the pimple. The downside is that small yellow spots remain. They are not easy to hide.
This treatment option is suitable for people without allergic reactions to iodine.
Vishnevsky ointment or ichthyol ointment widely used in the treatment of large boils, pustules, nodular cystic acne. They have a pus-pulling effect. The course of treatment is up to 5 days, depending on the pimple.
You need to make a small pad out of a bandage, apply one of the ointments to it, apply it to the pimple and secure it with a band-aid. Leave overnight. The downside of this treatment is the smell.

Video

Pimple with white pus