Pustules, painful pustules, can be caused by a variety of reasons and therefore their importance should not be underestimated. A visit to the dermatologist can help to find the reasons for their appearance and relieve the patient from the annoying pustules.
What are pustules?
Pustules are blisters filled with pus that can form on the skin for various reasons. Pustules are blisters filled with pus that can form on the skin for various reasons. They consist of a cavity located superficially (either in the epidermis or subepidermally) on the skin. Their content can be infectious or sterile, depending on the cause. Pustules are usually red in color, with the tip of the blister often turning white. In most cases, pustules appear on the skin of the face, neck, shoulders, back, legs and buttocks and are painful, especially when touched. Usually, pustules are not a secondary appearance of another disease, but an independent (primary) change of the skin.
Causes
Pustules can develop for a variety of reasons. Not infrequently, they occur in association with advanced acne: In this case, the pustules form due to a backlog of skin sebum at the hair follicles, which then become inflamed. A bacterial infection such as folliculitis can also lead to pustules. Here, especially in children, an infection with streptococci or staphylococci is possible. These bacteria are always found on the skin, but in the case of a weakened immune system they can cause highly contagious pustular lichen, which in turn can result in severe kidney damage. Infection with skin fungi or parasites can also cause pustules. The last common cause of pustules includes allergies, in which contact with the allergen can lead to violent, inflammatory reactions of the skin.
Diseases with this symptom
- Allergy
- Candidiasis
- Acne
- Smallpox
- Skin fungus
- Diaper rash
Diagnosis and course
In the case of pustules and other painful changes in the skin, a dermatologist should always be consulted; only he can reliably diagnose whether and what kind of pustules it is and how to proceed. If left untreated, pustules not infrequently cause inflammation of the skin, which can spread and cause damage to the skin – especially cosmetic damage. However, it is not the pustules themselves that are decisive for the course of the disease, but their cause:
While allergens can be avoided and the course thus remains harmless, an untreated infection can lead to permanent damage. Is therefore urgently advisable to have the pustules treated.
Complications
Pustules usually do not cause major complications. However, in rare cases, the pustules can cause infection of the skin and nerve cells. If left untreated, this can lead to permanent damage such as scarring, insensitivity to touch, or skin paralysis. If the pustules are based on an intolerance, depending on the allergy, there may be a variety of symptoms such as skin irritation, respiratory problems, among others. In a severe course, the pustules may develop into severe abscesses with pus formation. In rare cases, the pus pathogens can penetrate into the brain and cause bacterial meningitis. In the case of larger pustules, there is also a risk of phlegmon, i.e. spread of the irritation to the neighboring connective tissue, which is usually accompanied by fever symptoms and itching. Parasites and fungi as the cause carry the risk of weakening the immune system and can only be treated without complications by rapid therapy. Typical complications in the treatment of pustules are intolerance to the prescribed medication and a temporary increase in skin irritation until the therapy is adjusted to the underlying disease. Severe complications usually do not occur with pustules, provided that treatment is initiated early and there are no underlying diseases or other predispositions.
When should you see a doctor?
Most often, pustules have harmless triggers such as an irritating skin cream or a scratching piece of clothing.If the rash persists, however, there is probably a serious cause that requires a visit to the doctor. Medical clarification is recommended especially in the case of suddenly appearing pustules, the cause of which is unclear. If there is accompanying severe itching and pain, the family doctor should be consulted. This is especially true if severe accompanying symptoms occur. Complaints such as fever, shortness of breath or trembling indicate a serious cause that must be clarified immediately. In the case of skin bleeding and conspicuous skin changes such as redness or nodules, action should be taken quickly. Likewise, if the pustules spread further or blisters form. Pustules in infants and young children should be clarified immediately by a pediatrician. If the symptoms are severe and require immediate treatment, a trip to the emergency room is recommended. If pustules develop after an insect bite or contact with irritating substances, the emergency physician should be called. Other contacts, depending on the suspicion, are the family doctor or a dermatologist.
Treatment and therapy
To determine the cause of the appearance of the pustules and thus treat them, a dermatologist should be consulted. This person will ask the patient about possible causes (such as allergy triggers) and look for other symptoms. A swab may also be taken from the contents of the pustules, which will be examined in the laboratory for bacteria. Only then are appropriate treatment measures possible. Thus, if it is a bacterial infection, the doctor will probably advise antibiotics to reduce the bacterial density. If the pustules are caused by acne, various treatments are available, including medications that reduce sebum production. If the pustules were caused by an allergy, either desensitization is performed or the allergen is avoided. Parasites and fungi are also treated with appropriate antidotes. In addition to the treatment of the cause, skin care should be optimized in order to regenerate the affected skin and better protect it against the appearance of new pustules. Which products are used for this depends on the skin type. For severe cases, such as severely inflamed skin, the dermatologist will prescribe or recommend appropriate products to help care for and treat the pustules.
Outlook and prognosis
If a form of acne, for example acne vulgaris, is the cause of pustule formation, the course of the disease is difficult to assess. Without treatment, the condition usually worsens and there is a risk of scarring. In most cases, the symptoms improve after treatment with creams and tinctures that contain an antibacterial agent and also counteract seborrhea. However, in some patients this is not sufficient. In this case, oral administration of antibiotics is required. In women, a change in hormonal contraceptive may be necessary. Acne in adolescents usually disappears on its own as soon as those affected have outgrown puberty. However, acne can also become chronic and cause symptoms for decades, which then usually occur in episodes. Pustules caused by childhood diseases such as rubella, measles or chickenpox usually heal without a trace. However, in the case of chickenpox in particular, scratching the pustules can lead to the formation of clearly visible scars on the face. The risk of scarring is particularly high in adults. In children, even scratched-on pustules usually fade away after several weeks. Pustules caused by allergies usually heal within a short time once the irritant is identified and avoided.
Prevention
To prevent the development of new pustules, their triggers should be avoided first and foremost. This includes known allergy triggers, but also protection from insect bites (for example, from ticks). Good, but not excessive skin hygiene protects against fungal infections. Care products tailored to individual needs, as well as sauna sessions and steam baths, also help to strengthen skin function and thus protect it from pustules in the best possible way.
What you can do yourself
Pustules can be treated by yourself with various home remedies and measures. Anyone who suffers from a skin rash should first make sure that the symptoms are not caused by an allergy or a serious skin disease.It is often sufficient to use care products tailored to individual needs to strengthen skin function and prevent pustules. Sauna sessions and steam baths help against redness and itching, but also warm compresses with anti-inflammatory herbs such as chamomile or sage. Cold compresses are ideal for treating pustules that have suddenly appeared, while chronic complaints can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory peppermint or healing clay, among other things. A special effect is also attributed to olive oil. Mixed with honey and applied directly to the pustules, it immediately relieves the itching noticeably and makes the skin supple and elastic again. Alternatively, a paste of olive oil, garlic cloves and chopped basil can be applied to the rash. Applications with baking soda and oatmeal, but also tea tree oil, aloe vera or calendula help against weeping pustules. In addition, it is important to strengthen the immune system and protect the pustules from hot water and sun contact, so that the rash can heal quickly.