Definition
Pus (Latin “pus”) is primarily the accumulation of dead granulocytes, a type of white blood cell (leukocyte), and tissue fluid. In short, pus is therefore nothing more than a mixture of cells of the own body, bacteria and proteins. Pus is something natural that the body produces in response to an immune response or infection.
Pus types and symptoms
Localization of the pus is also important for the formation of the term. Pus can first develop in the whole body. Pus can vary greatly in its nature and consistency from very thin to viscous: The color of the pus provides information about the type of pathogen that could be involved in an infection.
The odor of the pus is also an important criterion in diagnostics. Pus does not always have to be indicative of something pathological. During puberty, for example, pimples often develop on the skin.
Especially in young men, this is a normal reaction to a hormonal change in the body. Since pus can spread strongly in a relatively short time, the affected area may be compressed and pain may occur. Otherwise, the usual signs of inflammation must also be observed.
In addition to pain, there is also redness and swelling. A rise in temperature towards fever in the case of a larger, purulent infection is also quite possible.
- Abscess: encapsulated, self-contained center of pus.
- Empyema: pus in body cavities.
- Boils: inflammation of the hair root.
- Phlegmon: pus in the connective tissue, as is often the case with tissue clefts.
- Panaritium: Purulent inflammation in the fingers.
- Yellow pus is found in a staphylococcal infection.
- Blue-green pus appears in an infection with pseudomonads.
- Pink pus due to admixture of blood.
Pus removal
In general, it can be said that surgical interventions are the most effective measure to remove or relieve pus foci. Depending on the localization of the pus, an attempt is made to open and flush the site of pus or to drain the pus fluid. Thus, the opening as well as the squeezing out at home of “pus pimples” is associated with the risk of a brain–vein thrombosis when veins are connected to this infectious focus.
The administration of antibiotics is often avoided because the antibiotic cannot penetrate to the pus spot. In the case of abscesses or boils that can be seen superficially, those affected usually start to fight the accumulation of pus themselves by trying to squeeze or puncture it. However, this involves all kinds of risks.
On the one hand, the open area is enormously susceptible to further pathogens and germs and, especially if hygiene is inadequate, further inflammation can occur. On the other hand, due to the pressure of the push-on, the pathogens can penetrate into deeper tissue or, in the worst case, into the bloodstream and lead to blood poisoning. For example, if an abscess is expressed on the face, this can lead to meningitis.
The blood flow of the face and brain are connected by small veins. This is why the pus pathogens can penetrate into the meningeal tissue and cause an inflammation there. The bacteria can also reach all organs of the body via the bloodstream and, in the worst case, lead to multi-organ failure in the context of sepsis. Therefore, larger accumulations of pus should always be examined by a doctor and not be treated on their own.
