Pus or pus (hence the term pustules) is caused by tissue fusion by leukocytes into an area of inflammation. Thus, pus is to be understood as a biological breakdown product of the body. Mainly, pus is found in inflammations of the skin, gums and at inflammations of hair roots.
What is pus?
Pus can form basically anywhere in the body. A boil – an inflamed hair – is called a furuncle. Pus is a mostly yellowish secretion that occurs as a result of an inflammatory reaction within the cells of vertebrates, including humans. The basis of the underlying inflammation, through which pus is formed due to the body’s own defenses by leukocytes, bacteria and tissue breakdown, is usually a bacterial infection. Basically, pus is a defensive reaction of the body to an infection and shows that it is fighting against it. Pus can vary greatly in consistency (thick or thin), and its color can also vary from yellow to blue-green. The odor also differs depending on the type of bacteria. If the pus dries out, it means that the healing process is underway. In rare cases, pus is non-infectious. This may be the case, for example, in pustular psoriasis.
Causes
Pus is basically due to a defensive function of the body in response to invading bacteria. The usually yellowish fluid is produced by the body’s use of leukocytes, helper cells that dissolve into pus along with tissue and bacteria when they die. Often, pus also develops for no apparent reason, that is, without any apparent infection. Pus can form basically anywhere in the body. An encapsulated collection of pus in tissue is called an abscess. In body cavities, it is called empyema. A boil – an inflamed hair – is called a furuncle. Pus blisters are called pustules (from Latin pus = pus). In addition, suppuration can also occur in the teeth or eyes. Also known are the age-related pus-filled pimples in puberty, but they are part of the normal hormonal change.
Diseases with this symptom
- Chagas disease
- Barleycorn
- Pericarditis
- Nail bed inflammation
- Hand-foot-and-mouth disease
- Tonsillitis
- Impetigo contagiosa
- Bartholinitis
- Nasal furuncle
- Ear furuncle
- Ulcus molle
- Mastoiditis
Complications
If abscesses form from the pus, there is a risk that the inflammation will spread further. Phlegmon may develop, an enlargement of the pus focus in the connective tissue, often accompanied by severe pain and redness in the affected region, as well as fever and heating of the skin. If such an abscess occurs in conjunction with other diseases or with an already weakened immune system, organ failure or circulatory collapse may occur in extreme cases. Diseases with risk factor: alcoholism, various cancers and diabetes mellitus. Pus can also lead to complications, for example if it enters the bloodstream or organs from a wound. The main dangers here are the development of various forms of poisoning or even edema if an abscess opens in the brain or in the jaw region and the secretion enters the brain. Such a brain abscess leads to headaches, nausea and vomiting on the one hand and serious speech and vision disorders up to paralysis and epileptic seizures on the other, but thanks to modern medicine it is rarely fatal. The surgical intervention required to remove the abscess is also not without risk and can, in the worst case, lead to permanent brain damage. Corresponding abscesses can also occur in the organs, although the complications depend on a wide variety of factors and can vary greatly from person to person.
When should you see a doctor?
Pus is easily recognized by its yellow color. The secretion forms when there is inflammation. Purulent inflammation is almost always due to a bacterial infection involving white blood cells called leukocytes. They function as the body’s own defense system. Thus, pus means fight in the body. There are only a few exceptions where pus does not have an infection as its cause. One example is psoriasis. Pus can form anywhere in and on the body.No one should put off a visit to the doctor. The cause must be found as quickly as possible in order to quickly initiate treatment. Since pus means a stressed and weakened immune system, the entire body is correspondingly susceptible. In the worst case, it can even lead to circulatory collapse or organ failure. Pus in the abdomen can also become dangerous. A classic example is the “burst appendix”. If the inflamed appendix is not operated on in time, it ruptures due to the pressure of the pus collecting in it, whereupon the secretion spills into the abdominal cavity with potentially life-threatening consequences. A similar event can occur with further accumulations of pus in the body. At this point, at the latest, it should be clear how important it is to visit a doctor in the event of pus secretions or pus accumulations. Fear of a possible operation, which may well become necessary here, should not prevent anyone from visiting a doctor.
Treatment and therapy
Pus is generally treated first by breaking it up, i.e., getting it to drain. Septic surgery involves cutting open abscesses and inserting drains. Irrigated suction drains are also common to keep a wound clean. Antibiotics, on the other hand, are effective only in certain cases (such as liver abscesses) and not at all in others because they don’t even get to the concentrated core of the pus. The pus must be drained in order to avoid possible blood poisoning. It is also to prevent the pus from spreading in the body. This knowledge comes already from the antiquity. As a home remedy honey has been known for a long time. In the case of purulent inflammation on the skin, it is simply applied, closes the wound and damages the bacteria. However, the honey must not have been heated. Chamomile tea or St. John’s wort oil also have an anti-inflammatory effect. Of course, in the case of the formation of serious infections or internal abscesses, a doctor must be consulted to determine the causes and initiate treatment.
Outlook and prognosis
If a collection of pus forms in a wound, then this should always be assessed by a doctor. If a pus blister develops in the process, then this should not be opened by yourself under any circumstances. This should also only be done by a specialist. Opening a pus blister can have serious consequences, such as blood poisoning. Pus often forms in the case of inflammation of the hair root or gums. As a rule, such inflammations should recede after about three to four days. If there is no improvement after this time or if the formation of pus has increased, a doctor should be consulted urgently. If such wounds are not treated by a doctor, an abscess may form, causing the inflammation to spread further in the body. A visit to the doctor should not be postponed for a long time in the case of an accumulation of pus, because the cause must be clarified and treated as quickly as possible in such a case. Taking antibiotics can effectively curb the formation of pus. Other agents, such as chamomile, also have an anti-inflammatory effect and prevent the further formation of pus.
Prevention
Pus in a wound that has already been cleaned can only be kept away by keeping the wound clean and preventing new germs from entering. If antibiotics are used for treatment, they must be taken beyond the period when symptoms subside to kill even weaker bacteria that might otherwise multiply again. Otherwise, preventing pus formation means preventing a bacterial infection. Depending on which bacteria are the culprits, various preventive measures come into question here. Pustules and pus in the rhamen of a pronounced acne should first be examined by a dermatologist and treated and prevented with appropriate means. You can find more information on these topics in our articles: Acne and Pimples.
What you can do yourself
Pus occurs in all people and does not necessarily represent a medical complication. It occurs mainly in wounds or in pimples. Where there is pus, it should definitely be broken up. By breaking up the pus, an infection of the blood can be prevented and the pus can drain away. This relieves the wound and thus promotes healing. However, smaller wounds and pimples will heal even if the pus is not left out.Here, the process usually takes a little longer. To remove the pus, it must be broken up with a pointed object. For example, a needle or tweezers can be used for this. However, the patient should be careful not to injure surrounding areas. After the pus has been broken open, it drains away. Here, the affected person can still help by pressing and thus allow the complete discharge. After squeezing, the area should always be disinfected. Rinse and other cosmetic products are suitable for this purpose. If there is a large accumulation of pus, it is better to have it removed by a doctor. In this case, inflammation and infection can occur due to unclean removal. Usually, the wound heals after a few days and does not lead to further complications.
