An abscess, boil, or pus blister is an encapsulated collection of pus in tissue. This can cause inflammation in the tissue as it progresses. Pus blisters are mostly caused by inflammation due to foreign bodies or bacteria. Abscesses or pus blisters should always be examined by a doctor. Self-treatment by squeezing out the pus is not recommended.
What is a pus blister?
Pus blisters should not be pricked independently, otherwise they can become inflamed by germs. A blister that has already been opened should be covered by a blister plaster. Pus blisters, also called abscesses, are small or large skin blisters which are filled with pus. This is manifested either by bursting of the pus blisters or by manual opening of such a blister. A precursor of pus blisters can sometimes be water blisters, whose wound secretion can also cause pus as the disease progresses. Pus is known to be a sign of inflammation. For this reason, it is advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible if pus blisters are visible on the skin. Pus blisters can appear not only on the skin, but also on the gums and mucous membranes. Developments to blood blisters are also possible.
Causes
There are a large number of possible causes for pus blisters or abscess. Some insect bites may cause pus blisters. However, the most common cause of pus blisters is inflammation of the skin or gums, which does not heal properly. Even burns of the skin surface or gums can cause pus blisters in the worst case, which are sometimes quite painful. Another very common cause of pus blisters are also fungal infections or eczema of the skin. Mostly these skin changes occur between the toes or fingers. Usually, small water and pus blisters appear first, followed by desquamation of the skin surface. Pus blisters on the gums are usually caused by inflammation of the gums or are the result of burning them – for example, by too hot food or drinks. The actual cause of pus blisters can only be clarified by a doctor, unless the cause is already known. Pus blisters, regardless of the cause, are always a serious sign that should not be ignored.
Diseases with this symptom
- Anthrax
- Brain abscess
- Labial herpes
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Eczema
Differential diagnosis
In skin abscesses, there is usually no confusion, because the symptoms are usually clear. Similar diseases can therefore be excluded.
Complications
If pus blisters are treated improperly or inadequately, fistulas, infections, and other complications may occur. Abscesses and pus blisters that are not lanced can rupture and empty into body cavities and hollow organs or enter the bloodstream. Organ abscesses, infections and, in the worst case, sepsis, i.e. blood poisoning, are the result and, in extreme cases, lead to the death of the patient. If pus blisters break open in the face or jaw area, there is a risk of a brain abscess forming. This can lead to an increase in intracranial pressure and, as a consequence, to vascular occlusion and cerebral infarction. If the pus blisters are treated at an early stage, there is usually no risk of lasting complications. In the course of the recovery process, which can extend over several weeks, it is mainly unhygienic handling of the wound that leads to problems, as pathogens can penetrate the existing abscess. If the pathogens then penetrate other areas of the body, further pus blisters and infections develop both internally and externally. Further complications: Secondary bleeding after opening the pus blister, renewed infections, the development of fistula tracts and scarring of the tissue. If the anus is affected, severe pain and difficult bowel movements are added, and in the case of pus blisters in the armpits, there is often pain and sometimes severe infection due to the bacterial focus in the armpit.
When should you go to the doctor?
Pus blisters are encapsulated collections of pus in body tissues. They are also commonly known as boils and abscesses. Pus blisters can occur anywhere on or in the body – on the surface of the skin as well as in the brain.Pus blisters are caused by inflammation caused by bacteria or foreign bodies. Even if the temptation is great: affected persons must never treat visible pus blisters themselves, for example by squeezing them. Pus blisters should only be treated by a doctor. A visit to the doctor should be made as soon as possible in the case of pus blisters. On the one hand, it is important to find the cause, on the other hand, pus always means a considerable health hazard. The causes of pus blisters are numerous. First and foremost are skin and gum inflammations. Eczema and fungal infections are further triggers for a pus blister or abscess. Acne and cold sores are also characterized by pustules. Late presentation to the doctor can complicate the course of the event triggered by the pus blister. A fistula can develop from a pustule or even blood poisoning. Abscesses in the brain occur mainly when pus blisters located in the head area – for example, on the jaw or face – break open and their pathogens cross the blood-brain barrier. There are other risks as well. Summary: In case of pus blisters, it is said to consult a doctor immediately.
Treatment and therapy
After clarifying the cause of the existing pus blisters, they should be treated as soon as possible. Otherwise, especially in the case of infections of the skin, there is a risk that the supposedly harmless pus blisters will spread to an extensive pustule. The reason for this is the fact that the pus contained in the blisters is regularly highly infectious and can cause further blisters after it has been discharged. To treat pus blisters as a result of fungal infections or eczema, the family doctor regularly prescribes an appropriate ointment. Depending on the location of the blisters, it is additionally advised to “shield” the infected region with bandages or the like, if possible, so that further spreading is prevented. If the pus blisters are the result of burns, they are usually treated with burn ointments. Large abscesses not infrequently have to be opened by a competent medical professional and flushed with an antibiotic. Precisely because of the wide range of possible diseases, it is imperative to refrain from treatment at home and go directly to a doctor.
Outlook and prognosis
Pus blisters can occur anywhere on the body, such as on the skin or even on the brain. The following always applies to pus blisters: never squeeze or prick them yourself. With a pus blister, you should always seek medical treatment. The doctor must first determine why pus was able to accumulate in the first place. Often skin and gum inflammations cause such pus blisters. Also lip herpes or various fungal infections show pus blisters, so that the visit to the doctor is definitely inevitable. If such clinical pictures are not treated professionally, there is a risk of dangerous blood poisoning, which can lead to death. Especially if there is a pus blister on the head, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. If these pus blisters break open, an abscess can develop in the brain in the worst case. In such a case, the relevant pathogens cross the blood-brain barrier and infect the brain. If such a pus blister has already broken open, then a bad secondary disease can be prevented with suitable medication.
Prevention
As already explained, pus blisters are not infrequently the result of a fungal infection or eczema. For prevention, thorough hygiene is recommended above all. Since pus blisters often form on the hands, it is imperative to wash them regularly. The cleanliness of the home should also be ensured at all times. Especially the bathroom and the kitchen are bacteria hotbeds that require daily cleaning. For other people’s homes, it is advisable to carry antibacterial wipes with you and to wipe down the toilet before use. Extensive hygiene can prevent numerous diseases, which are associated with pus blisters.
This is what you can do yourself
The treatment of pus blisters should always be done by a doctor. Supporting this, various home remedies and self-measures can contribute to a speedy recovery. Effective home remedies against abscesses include compresses and baths with chamomile, arnica, nettle or calendula.Equally effective are curd applications and white cabbage, hot milk compresses and lapacho tea, which strengthens the immune system and reduces the local spread of pathogens. Healing clay can also be used to treat pus blisters. The powder is applied in the form of a poultice or a simple poultice to the affected area, where it relieves pain and itching, and stops the spread of pathogens. Supportive anti-inflammatory ointments and tinctures can be applied, these support the immune system in fighting the infection and accelerate the maturation of the pus blisters. In addition, general measures such as regular hydration and washing hands with disinfectant soap help flush out pathogens and contain the spread of inflammation. Poorly tolerated foods and stimulants should be eliminated from the diet until the pus blisters have healed. Also, possible triggers of the symptoms (allergens, dust mites, etc.) should be avoided and removed if possible to ensure rapid healing of the pus blisters.