Your skin deals with a lot of breakouts and distress from numerous conditions. One of the most common is the growth of pustules (pimples), a small patch of fluid that appears on the face. Generally, pustules are harmless and can heal over time. However, in some instances, they become complex and develop into a more bothersome state. Besides appearing on the face, pustules may develop on any part of the body, but they most commonly form on the back, chest, and face. Also, they can be found in clusters in the same area of the body.

If you think you are dealing with any of the issues, it is time to get informed and make a decision about your health. To provide you with comprehensive knowledge on pustules, we took insights from Dr. Rasya Dixit to understand pustule, its causes, diagnosis, and where to get the best acne treatment in Bangalore. 

Pustule: An Overview 

A pustule is considered a type of pimple. The bulging patches of the skin are pores that have become clogged with pus, cell debris, and sebum (oil). They are also called whiteheads, zits, and blemishes. The pustules can appear anywhere on the body and are usually found on the neck, face, shoulders, and back.

Acne pustules can occur at any age. They are especially common among teenagers and young adults who are going through hormonal changes that sometimes trigger acne breakouts. If you are wondering what causes them and why the acne pustule forms whenever you plan to go outside, then let’s try to decode what the acne pustule causes.

Causes of Pustules 

Several health conditions that lead to pustules are: 

• Acne: This is a most common skin condition that causes pustules that appear to be bigger than typical pimples. They result when one of the pores in your skin gets irritated that its walls break. 

• Rosacea: Rosacea can make the skin appear on your face red and causes pimples. However, a disease form known as inflammatory rosacea can trigger pustules.

• Chicken Pox: This childhood disease and other illnesses resulting from a related virus cause skin lesions that further develop into pustules as the disease progresses. 

• Psoriasis: This is a skin condition that causes itchy, red, scaly patches. And certain chemicals, excess stress, infection, and some medications can all trigger an attack of pustular psoriasis. 

• IgA Pemphigus: Pustules are also identified as a symptom of this rare disease that makes your immune system turn against you. 

What Do Pustules Look Like?

Pustules are typically easy to identify. They appear as small bumps on the surface of your skin. The bumps appear to be white or red with white in the center. These pustules may be painful to the touch, and the skin around the bump may be red and inflamed. 

The common areas of pustules in your body are: 

• Chest 
• Back 
• Face 
• Shoulders 
• Neck 
• Underarms 
• Public Area 
• Hair Line 
• Groin
• Hands and Feet
• Arms and Legs 

What are the Pustules Symptoms?

Though pustules might look similar to pimples, you can check on their visible marks to identify them. When you get affected by the pustules, it shows symptoms such as: 

• Red and inflamed 
• Larger than a common pimple 
• Pus that comes out when pierced 
• Contains a brownish dot somewhere in the middle of the white head 
• Occur in the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and back
• Appears to be tender when touched 
• Contains white head or pus filled with white or yellow fluid 

When Do Pustules Need Medical Attention?

Pustules that suddenly erupt all over your face in patches on various parts of your body may indicate that you have a bacterial infection. You can also call your doctor and make suggestions if your pustules appear to be painful or are leaking fluid. These can be symptoms of serious skin infections.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, along with pustules, you should take the first step and consult your doctor immediately.

• Fever 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Clammy skin 
• Diarrhea 
• Warm skin in the area of pustules
• Large pustules that are extremely painful
• Pain in the area containing the pustules

If you decide to consult your doctor, the first step your doctor will take to treat pustules is to diagnose them, so only appropriate treatment can be planned according to your condition.

How are Pustules Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Pustules begins with a careful physical examination and a detailed analysis of your medical history. Your medical history is studied because it can offer valuable information, including your age, family history, and list of ongoing medications. A physical examination typically involves assessing the shape, size, depth, location, duration, and distribution of the pustular lesions. 

A dermoscopy can be performed to examine skin lesions under a magnifying glass. If an infection is suspected, further diagnostic tests may be required as per your health condition and the prescription of your skin doctor. 

What are the Treatment Methods For Pustules?

• Small pustules may simply go away without treatment. However, in any case, if small pustules persist, it’s helpful to wash your skin using warm water and a mild facial cleanser. Following the same routine per day will help remove any oil buildup, which is the main cause of acne.

Tip: Make sure to use your fingertips instead of a washcloth to cleanse your face. Scrubbing pustules with a washcloth may further irritate and lead to skin damage.

• The doctor can prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) acne medications, soaps, or creams to treat small acne pustules. However, the best topical products for treating pustules contain peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur. But you should never use these products in your genital area.

Tip: If you have sensitive skin, look for products specially made for your skin type so your condition doesn't get worse.

• Also, it may be tempting to remove your pustules by popping them, but you should keep in mind to never squeeze, pinch, or pick them. Doing so can damage your skin and make the infection worse.
• You should also not use oil-based products, such as lotions or petroleum jelly, in the area affected by pustules. These products can further block your pores and cause more pustules to grow.

When is the Right Time to Consult Your Doctor?

If your pustules fail to improve with home remedies and OTC treatments, talk to your dermatologist and plan your treatment to remove them immediately.

One can consult Dr. Rasya Dixit at the Dr. Dixit Dermatology Clinic. She is a top doctor for providing Best Dermatologist In Bangalore which covers all types of acne. The treatments provided by the doctor include chemical peels, photofacial, and many more. With more than 13 years of experience, she is a renowned dermatologist and aesthetic physician and the most trusted dermatologist for your skin health. So, to take a step forward to healthy skin, book your consultation today with her!