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What Are Pustules?
Pustules are blockages of the pores and sebaceous glands that have
become inflamed. The sebaceous glands are generally found in areas where
the hair is located, but also in some hairless areas of the body as
well, except for the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
Sebaceous glands produce sebum, a fatty based oil that moisturizes
the skin and hair. Without sebum, hair would be brittle and thin while
skin would be leathery and dry. Sebum allows skin to maintain its suppleness
and resistance to water.
When the sebaceous glands are excited and produce excessive sebum,
it floods the follicle and a portion may harden into a plug. Skin-based
bacteria called P. Acnes, which are a natural part of the environment,
combined with dead skin cells and dirt may join together and infect
the area of the follicle underneath the plug. [To
learn how to kill this bacteria, read about Benzoyl Peroxide by clicking
here.] [To
find a product that does this now, click here.]
The area of inflammation will appear as a pink or reddened lesion on
the skin; sometimes the lesion contains a white head or cap. It is not
advised to pop or squeeze the lesion without being under the supervision
of a physician because it can lead to further infection and scarring.
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Pustules are what most people define as a common pimple and are a mild
form of acne. Some methods of treating pustules include:
- Washing with mild soap and water once or twice daily
- Using cleansers
containing salicylic acid to dry out the areas of infection and dissolve
the plugs.
- Topical antibiotics (if prescribed by a physician)
- Topical retinoids
(if prescribed by a physician)
- Topical Benzoyl Peroxide (which neutralizes
skin-based bacteria as well as dries out the excess sebum. This form
is highly recommended by top dermatologists)
- Acne Surgery (performed
by a physician which relieves the acne lesions and treats them in
a sterile setting)
- Oral medications (such as antibiotics or oral
contraceptives in women to help lessen outbreaks.)
Pustules contain a pus-like substance that is a combination of sebum,
bacterium and dead skin cells. While unattractive, they will generally
clear up in two to three days after outbreak with treatment. Squeezing
or popping the pustules can cause the affected area to remain reddened,
bruised or scabbed for an additional 3 to 5 days as well as potentially
causing scarring.
While pustules are mild inflammatory acne, they are completely treatable.
If the acne does not respond to over the counter methods or self-esteem
is suffering from the outbreaks, then visiting a physician or dermatologist
is recommended.
Dermatologists agree that three-step acne fighting kits are an excellent
way to treat acne without the harmful side effects or dangers of oral
drugs. A 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide kit is ideal, and we strongly recommend
our acne-fighter, Tru-derma, as it is backed by all of the research
and information on the Acne-Resource Center. To
read more about this, click here.
Other Resources:
Acne.net
Web MD
American Academy of Dermatology
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