Acne Pustules

It's not hard to see the symptoms of acne. Blemishes on the face, neck, chest and back are unfortunately quite visible. Acne lesions are not all alike and different types require different treatments. One common type of blemish is called a pustule.

Pustules are inflamed, red, blister-like bumps on the skin filled with whitish fluid or pus. This is the classic zit which sufferers are often tempted to squeeze or pop. They form when a hair follicle becomes clogged with dead skin cells and the oil cannot flow out. In this oxygen-depleted environment, bacteria can multiply and inflame the follicle. The bacteria p. acnes is thought to be responsible for most pimples. If the follicle walls burst from the pressure the infection spreads into the tissue around the follicle.

The body attempts to fight this small-scale infection by sending white bloods cells to the site. White cells are the body's natural defense against infection. Pus is a build-up of white cells. No is sure why some lesions fill with pus when others do not. Pustules can be present in all forms of acne, from mild to severe.

Milder forms of acne are usually treated with over the counter products. Benzoyl peroxide products are used to combat the p. acnes bacteria on the skin and reduce its numbers. Salicylic acid products help the dead skin cells shed more easily so they do not clog the pores. More severe cases may require topical or oral antibiotics or tretinoins, such as retinol, to control blemishes. For particularly large or discolored bumps a doctor may inject a cortisone medication into the skin to diminish the inflammation.

Even milder forms of acne can cause permanent scarring if not treated properly. Squeezing a pustule is never recommended. This can force infection deeper into the skin, creating a larger blemish that is more difficult to treat. A dermatologist or family doctor can devise an effective treatment for acne.

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