Pustular Rashes - Causes, Signs, and Treatment

What Are Pustules?

Pustules are common skin lesions characterized by raised or bulged bumps filled with yellowish fluid called pus. They often vary in size and resemble acne. These bumps can be extremely painful upon touch. They generally occur on the face, back, and chest. Pustules can result from skin inflammation, acne, psoriasis, allergic reactions, or other skin conditions.

They appear when there is some infection, and the body is trying to fight it against white blood cells, resulting in a combination of infected fluid and dead white blood cells (pus). When pus accumulates under the skin or in a pore, it can form a pustule. Pustules usually resolve naturally; if they respond to treatment, they clear up within one to two weeks. However, sometimes pustules are resistant to treatment and can persist longer. Consult a healthcare professional to find the cause and best treatment if the pustules do not go away.

What Causes Pustules?

Pustules are commonly associated with several skin disorders, including:

• Acne: This is a common skin condition that causes pustules due to clogged pores from trapped oil, bacteria, and dead skin. They occur when one skin's pores get so irritated that its walls break.

• Psoriasis: Pustular psoriasis is a rare, immune-mediated skin condition marked by red, itchy, scaly, pus-filled bumps. They mainly affect the palms of the hands and soles of the fingers, feet, or toes. Other factors, such as infection, certain chemicals, stress, and some medications, can all trigger an attack of pustular psoriasis.

• Rosacea: This common chronic inflammatory skin disorder usually makes the skin on the face red and causes tiny, pus-filled bumps on the face. A type of disease called inflammatory rosacea can trigger pustules. Pustules on the cheeks, chin, and forehead accompanied by facial redness and flushing often result from papulopustular rosacea.

• Chickenpox: This childhood viral infection that causes an itchy, blister-like rash on the skin eventually becomes pustules as the disease progresses.

• IgA Pemphigus: This is a rare autoimmune blistering disease. Pustules are also one of the symptoms of this disease that makes the immune system turn on itself.

• Candidal Intertrigo Infections: These infections are usually caused by a type of yeast called Candida and can appear as satellite pustules, smaller lesions near the principal lesion.

• Scabies: This contagious, intensely itchy mite infestation looks like pustules on the palms or soles.

Other Causes:

• Environmental allergens, including pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold, can cause an allergic reaction. Likewise, the skin can produce pustules from poisonous bug bites.

• Pustules also result from blocked pores, which can be caused by weather, pollution, or dehydration. Controlling exposure to triggers or allergens of acne can help prevent pustules.

• Genetics do not directly cause pustules but can increase the risk of developing a skin condition associated with pustules. For example, pustules are not caused by genetics, but genetics can predispose someone to getting it. In addition, some skin conditions related to pustules also have a genetic component, such as psoriasis and rosacea.

What Do Pustules Look Like?

Pustules appear as small red bumps with white or yellowish centers with inflammation and redness around them. These bumps are filled with yellow, white, or cream-colored pus. When punctured, pus can ooze out. Pustules can be tender or sore when touched. They can appear on any part of the body but are more common in areas that become oily.

Depending on the cause, they may appear on:

• Face.

• Neck.

• Scalp.

• Back.

• Upper chest.

• Buttocks.

• Groin.

• Arms and legs.

• Hands and feet.

Frequent Symptoms of Pustules Include:

• Pain.

• Itching.

• Inflammation.

• Redness.

Serious Symptoms of Pustules Include:

• Warmth.

• Redness.

• Swelling.

• Diarrhea.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Sudden breakout of pustules.

• Leaking pus at the site.

If someone experiences any of these symptoms along with pustules, one should seek medical assistance immediately:

How Are Pustules Treated?

Pustule treatment depends on what is causing it. A healthcare professional can help find the cause of the pustules to provide the right treatment. Most pustules are harmless and go away on their own. However, it is important to watch for signs of a severe skin infection.

Home Treatment

The following steps can aid in speedy healing:

• Practice good skin hygiene by gently cleaning the face with mild products using fingertips instead of harsh soaps.

• Avoid applying makeup or lotion until the pustules get resolved.

• Switch to natural skin care products with no artificial ingredients that can help ease existing pustules and control further breakouts.

• Resist touching, picking, or popping at pustules. This can worsen the condition and lead to infection or scarring.

• Apply over-the-counter topical medications such as cortisone cream, calamine lotion, salicylic acid, sulfur, or benzoyl peroxide gel. These products help by killing bacteria and clearing dead skin cells. However, some over-the-counter products are strong and can make the skin excessively dry and peel. Those with sensitive skin look for products suitable for their skin type so that the condition does not worsen. Also, people should avoid using these products around the genitals.

• Avoid using skin care products containing oils, such as certain moisturizers and sunscreens. The oil from these products can block the pores, causing pustule formation.

Pustule Medical Treatment

See a healthcare professional if the pustules do not improve in a few weeks with over-the-counter products. Then, they help treat the condition causing it. In addition, they may prescribe stronger medications. Prescription medications can be beneficial in eliminating pustules, especially those caused by bacterial infections.

Some commonly prescribed medications for pustules include:

• Topical antibiotics, such as Dapsone.

• Oral antibiotics, such as Doxycycline and Amoxicillin.

• Prescription-strength salicylic acid.

• Steroid cream.

• Antibiotic cream, lotion, or gel.

• Antifungal cream, shampoo, or pill.

In severe cases, photodynamic therapy (PDT) can treat pustules. Photodynamic therapy is a type of phototherapy that incorporates light and a special light-activated solution that targets and eliminates pustules. Aside from removing pustules and other related skin diseases caused by pustules, PDT can also diminish older pustule scars and make the skin smoother.

Conclusion

Pustules are a normal and common body response but can be stressful, unsightly, and a source of embarrassment. Therefore, it is important to have a health care professional examine and diagnose the cause of the pustules. Knowing the cause can help the professional figure out the best treatment. Pustules can usually heal independently without any intervention, but medical treatments and home-based remedies can speed up the healing process.