Pustules
Pustules are small, inflamed, pus-filled, blister-like sores (lesions) on the skin surface.
Considerations
Pustules are common in acne and folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle). They may occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly seen in these areas:
Acne
Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples or "zits. " Whiteheads, blackheads, and red, inflamed patches of skin (such as cysts) may develop....
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is inflammation of one or more hair follicles. It can occur anywhere on the skin.
- Back
- Face
- Over the breastbone
- Shoulders
- Sweaty areas, such as the groin or armpit
Pustules may be a sign of an infection. In some cases, they are non-infectious and associated with inflammation in the skin or taking certain medicines. They should be checked by a health care provider and may need to be tested (cultured) for bacteria or fungus.
Cultured
A skin or nail culture is a laboratory test to look for and identify germs that cause problems with the skin or nails. It is called a mucosal culture...
References
Dinulos JGH. Principles of diagnosis and anatomy. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 1.
Marks JG, Miller JJ. Pustules. In: Marks JG, Miller JJ, eds. Lookingbill and Marks' Principles of Dermatology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 12.
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Pustules - superficial on the arm - illustration
An infection of the topmost layers of the skin, especially one caused by staphylococci, may produce pustules, which look like small blisters containing a thick, yellowish material.
Pustules - superficial on the arm
illustration
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Acne - close-up of pustular lesions - illustration
Acne lesions frequently contain pus. This close-up photograph shows small acne pustules with surrounding inflammation (erythema).
Acne - close-up of pustular lesions
illustration
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Acne - cystic on the face - illustration
The face is the most common location of acne. Here, there are 4 to 6 millimeter red (erythematous) pustules, some with bridging scars and fistulous tract formation (connecting passages). Severe acne may have a profound psychological impact and may cause scarring. Effective treatments are available for this type of acne.
Acne - cystic on the face
illustration
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Dermatitis - pustular contact - illustration
This is a close-up of a dermatitis reaction. It consists of a large, red (erythematous) lesion (plaque) with numerous small pus-filled areas (pustules).
Dermatitis - pustular contact
illustration
-
Pustules - superficial on the arm - illustration
An infection of the topmost layers of the skin, especially one caused by staphylococci, may produce pustules, which look like small blisters containing a thick, yellowish material.
Pustules - superficial on the arm
illustration
-
Acne - close-up of pustular lesions - illustration
Acne lesions frequently contain pus. This close-up photograph shows small acne pustules with surrounding inflammation (erythema).
Acne - close-up of pustular lesions
illustration
-
Acne - cystic on the face - illustration
The face is the most common location of acne. Here, there are 4 to 6 millimeter red (erythematous) pustules, some with bridging scars and fistulous tract formation (connecting passages). Severe acne may have a profound psychological impact and may cause scarring. Effective treatments are available for this type of acne.
Acne - cystic on the face
illustration
-
Dermatitis - pustular contact - illustration
This is a close-up of a dermatitis reaction. It consists of a large, red (erythematous) lesion (plaque) with numerous small pus-filled areas (pustules).
Dermatitis - pustular contact
illustration
Review Date: 11/30/2022
Reviewed By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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