Pustules: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Written by Matt Smith

• What Is a Pustule?
• Pustule Symptoms
• Pustule Causes
• Pustule Home Treatment
• Pustule Medical Treatment

A pustule is a bulging patch of skin that’s full of a yellowish fluid called pus. It’s basically a big pimple. Several conditions, ranging from something as common as acne to the once-deadly disease smallpox, can cause pustules.

They show up when you have some sort of infection and your body is trying to fight it off with white blood cells. That can result in a mixture of infected fluid and dead white blood cells (pus).

When pus builds up under your skin or in a pore, it can cause a pustule.

Pustules are small red bumps with white or yellowish centers. They may be tender or sore to the touch.

These bumps can show up on any part of your body. Depending on the cause, you may notice them on your:

• Face
• Neck
• Scalp
• Back
• Upper chest
• Buttocks
• Groin
• Arms and legs
• Hands and feet

Serious symptoms of pustules

Most pustules are harmless. But watch for signs of a serious skin infection, such as:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Warmth

Several conditions can lead to pustules:

• Acne. This very common skin condition causes pustules that are bigger than typical pimples. They happen when one of the pores in your skin gets so irritated that its walls break.
• Psoriasis. This is a skin condition that causes red, itchy, scaly patches. An infection, stress, certain chemicals, and some medications can all trigger an attack of pustular psoriasis.
• Rosacea. This skin condition usually makes the skin on your face red and causes pimples. But a form of the disease known as inflammatory rosacea can trigger pustules.
• Chickenpox. This childhood disease and other illnesses caused by a related virus cause skin lesions that become pustules as the disease progresses.
• IgA pemphigus. Pustules are also a symptom of this rare disease that makes your immune system turn on itself.
• Smallpox. Pustules were one of the most obvious signs of this deadly disease that killed millions of people in past centuries. Thanks to a vaccine, it isn’t a danger anymore, but samples of the virus are locked up in laboratories in the United States and Russia.

Many kinds of pustules go away on their own. To speed healing, try these steps:

• Gently wash the area with soap twice a day. Use clean cloths each time.
• Apply an over-the-counter treatment like calamine lotion, cortisone cream, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide gel.
• Stay away from products that can irritate your skin, like cosmetics or sunscreens.
• Don’t touch, pick at, or pop pustules. This can make the condition worse and lead to infection or scarring.

See your doctor if your pustules don’t get better in a few weeks. They’ll treat the condition that’s causing them. This may involve medication such as:

• Antibiotic cream, lotion, or gel
• Antibiotic pills to take by mouth
• Antifungal cream, shampoo, or pill
• Steroid cream
• Prescription-strength azelaic or salicylic acid cream
• Dapsone (Aczone) gel

Top Picks

Pustules: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Written by Matt Smith

• What Is a Pustule?
• Pustule Symptoms
• Pustule Causes
• Pustule Home Treatment
• Pustule Medical Treatment

A pustule is a bulging patch of skin that’s full of a yellowish fluid called pus. It’s basically a big pimple. Several conditions, ranging from something as common as acne to the once-deadly disease smallpox, can cause pustules.

They show up when you have some sort of infection and your body is trying to fight it off with white blood cells. That can result in a mixture of infected fluid and dead white blood cells (pus).

When pus builds up under your skin or in a pore, it can cause a pustule.

Pustules are small red bumps with white or yellowish centers. They may be tender or sore to the touch.

These bumps can show up on any part of your body. Depending on the cause, you may notice them on your:

• Face
• Neck
• Scalp
• Back
• Upper chest
• Buttocks
• Groin
• Arms and legs
• Hands and feet

Serious symptoms of pustules

Most pustules are harmless. But watch for signs of a serious skin infection, such as:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Warmth

Several conditions can lead to pustules:

• Acne. This very common skin condition causes pustules that are bigger than typical pimples. They happen when one of the pores in your skin gets so irritated that its walls break.
• Psoriasis. This is a skin condition that causes red, itchy, scaly patches. An infection, stress, certain chemicals, and some medications can all trigger an attack of pustular psoriasis.
• Rosacea. This skin condition usually makes the skin on your face red and causes pimples. But a form of the disease known as inflammatory rosacea can trigger pustules.
• Chickenpox. This childhood disease and other illnesses caused by a related virus cause skin lesions that become pustules as the disease progresses.
• IgA pemphigus. Pustules are also a symptom of this rare disease that makes your immune system turn on itself.
• Smallpox. Pustules were one of the most obvious signs of this deadly disease that killed millions of people in past centuries. Thanks to a vaccine, it isn’t a danger anymore, but samples of the virus are locked up in laboratories in the United States and Russia.

Many kinds of pustules go away on their own. To speed healing, try these steps:

• Gently wash the area with soap twice a day. Use clean cloths each time.
• Apply an over-the-counter treatment like calamine lotion, cortisone cream, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide gel.
• Stay away from products that can irritate your skin, like cosmetics or sunscreens.
• Don’t touch, pick at, or pop pustules. This can make the condition worse and lead to infection or scarring.

See your doctor if your pustules don’t get better in a few weeks. They’ll treat the condition that’s causing them. This may involve medication such as:

• Antibiotic cream, lotion, or gel
• Antibiotic pills to take by mouth
• Antifungal cream, shampoo, or pill
• Steroid cream
• Prescription-strength azelaic or salicylic acid cream
• Dapsone (Aczone) gel

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causes and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

What is erythema

Erythema is an abnormal reddening of the skin caused by increased blood flow to the capillaries. If you press your fingers on the affected area of ​​the skin, the redness disappears, but then – after the pressure is removed – it returns.

Erythema due to external stimuli usually resolves very quickly and does not require treatment. So, redness of the face, neck or ears with strong excitement is not a disease, but only a vivid manifestation of emotions. And redness of the skin on the back after a massage or a tanning session is a completely normal reaction.

At the same time, erythema caused by an allergic reaction or an infectious process does not go away on its own. In such cases, an examination by a specialist is required, diagnosis and a decision on further treatment tactics.

Erythema caused by severe stress (e.g. during an exam or interview) usually resolves within minutes and does not require treatment

Common physiological causes of erythema:

• stress, excitement, fright;
• intense physical activity;
• body overheating;
• skin exposure to strong wind or cold;
• massage;
• taking medications;
• use of warming gels and ointments.

Erythema types

According to the type of affected vessels, all erythema can be divided into two large groups – active and passive.

With active erythema , which develops against the background of an acute inflammatory process, the vessels dilate and overflow with blood. Normal blood flow is maintained. The skin in the area of ​​such erythema is usually hot to the touch, bright red, and edematous. Erythematous spots are rounded, when merged, they become like a garland.

With passive erythema blood stagnates in the vessels. Such erythema spreads diffusely – the affected areas do not have clear boundaries and forms. The skin is cyanotic, covered with a mesh or tree pattern.

Example of passive erythema

Erythema can be infectious or non-infectious in nature.

Main types of non-infectious erythema

Non-infectious erythema, as the name implies, is not associated with diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, protozoa. They represent the body’s physiological response to external or internal stimuli.

Emotive erythema develops on the background of stress and other strong emotions. Usually spots are localized on the face, neck and chest. The color of the spots is crimson or bright red.

Solar erythema – vascular reaction to exposure to ultraviolet rays. Immediate erythema occurs immediately after exposure to the sun and disappears approximately 30 minutes after the cessation of exposure to sunlight on the skin. Late solar erythema develops 2-6 hours after exposure to ultraviolet light, then reaches a peak after 10-24 hours and gradually subsides over several days.

Heat erythema occurs after regular or prolonged exposure to heat or infrared (as occurs with some physiotherapy procedures). It is localized in the area to which the heat was directed, it looks like a net or pigmented rash.

Warm erythema looks like a net rash on the skin

Cold erythema is caused by skin exposure to low temperatures. It is manifested by local edema, itching, blue-red rash.

X-ray erythema – response to repeated or prolonged exposure to x-rays. Outwardly, it looks like spots of bright red color.

Toxic erythema occurs in response to exposure to an allergen – it can be a low-quality perfume, plant, food, drug. Hot edematous spots and white or yellow nodules form on the skin. Sometimes the temperature rises, the lymph nodes increase.

The photo may seem shocking.
Click to see.

Toxic erythema is the result of skin exposure to an allergen. Photo: Mohammad2018

Toxic erythema of the newborn may appear in infants on the 1st or 2nd day of life. Appears as red spots on the chest, abdomen, face, shoulders and thighs. Usually, such erythema resolves on its own and practically does not recur.

Erythroderma – redness and peeling of the skin caused by taking certain medications, skin diseases, malignant processes in the body. The skin with erythroderma turns red and swells, bubbles and nodules appear on it. The affected areas merge with each other. And the bubbles open up, forming sores, which then become covered with crusts.

Erythroderma may appear after taking certain drugs

Congenital erythema of the palms and soles (Lane’s disease) is an expansion of a large number of capillaries, which manifests itself as bright crimson saturated spots with a uniform or reticulated color and clear boundaries. The disease is hereditary and is observed in patients throughout life.

Symptomatic erythema often develops against the background of polyarthritis – inflammation of the joints. It looks like irregular spots that rise above the skin.

Palmar erythema – “hepatic palms ” – occurs in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases (polyarthritis, subacute bacterial endocarditis), people with hyperestrogenemia (increased levels of estrogen hormones in the blood), pregnant women. It looks like crimson spots on the palms and fingertips.

Erythema annulare Pale pink ring-shaped eruptions that usually appear on the body, arms and legs. The size of the rings is from a few millimeters to 5–10 centimeters in diameter.

Principal types of erythema infectios

The development of infectious erythema is due to increased blood flow in the superficial capillaries during inflammation. In fact, such a reaction is protective, it is aimed at neutralizing pathogenic microorganisms and the toxins that they secrete.

Infectious (viral) erythema Rosenberg is a disease that is more common in children, adolescents and young people under the age of 25 years.

Rosenberg’s infectious (viral) erythema is also called slapped cheek syndrome

Rosenberg’s infective erythema usually begins with chills and fever, headache, aching joints. Approximately 4–5 days after the first signs of illness, rashes appear on the body. They look like separate red spots of a round shape.

The spots quickly increase in size and merge, forming extensive edematous areas, which dermatologists call erythematous fields. After a few days, the spots brighten and disappear, and skin peeling may appear in their place.

Experience has shown that erythema infectiosum usually lasts 1-2 weeks.
Another name for Rosenberg’s erythema – “fifth disease” – is due to the fact that erythema infectiosum refers to six classic childhood diseases that are accompanied by a rash.

Six diseases in which rashes appear on the body of a child:

• measles,
• scarlet fever,
• rubella,
• infectious mononucleosis,
• erythema infectiosum,
• baby roseola.

Parvovirus B19 is the most common cause of erythema infectiosum. Infection occurs by airborne droplets.

Erythema usually appears a few days after infection – first on both cheeks, then the rash spreads to the arms, trunk, thighs and buttocks. The rashes look like pink spots that merge into a mesh or “lace”.

With erythema infectiosum Rosenberg, a person may have a fever. Sometimes joints hurt, sleep is disturbed.

Erythema nodosum (“red bumps”) – inflammation of the subcutaneous fat, which is more often found in patients aged 20-30 years.

The development mechanism and causes of erythema nodosum are not well understood. According to one theory, these can be infectious diseases caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, tubercle bacillus, chlamydia, hepatitis B and C viruses, herpes viruses, fungi, protozoa, human immunodeficiency virus. Also among the causes provoking erythema nodosum are venereal lymphogranuloma, ornithosis, measles, cat scratch disease.

In addition, erythema nodosum may develop in the presence of certain chronic diseases.

Pathologies that increase the risk of developing erythema nodosum:

• sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease in which granulomas are formed in organs and tissues – dense nodules of various sizes;
• ulcerative colitis – inflammation of the intestines;
• regional ileitis – inflammation of the ileum;
• Hodgkin’s disease is a malignant disease that destroys the human immune system;
• lymphosarcoma – a malignant tumor that affects the lymph nodes, and then other tissues and organs;
• leukemia — a malignant disease of the bone marrow;
• rheumatoid arthritis – a systemic inflammatory disease of the connective tissue;
• Behçet’s disease – vascular inflammation;
• chronic hepatitis – inflammation of the liver;
• ankylosing spondylitis – chronic inflammation of the spine;
• granulomatous mastitis – inflammation of the mammary gland;
• Takayasu’s arteritis – chronic inflammation of the walls of large arteries;
• Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease is a rare severe autoimmune disease;
• Wegener’s granulomatosis – autoimmune inflammation of the walls of blood vessels;
• APS syndrome – an autoimmune disease in which blood clots form uncontrollably in blood vessels;
• systemic lupus erythematosus – an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue;
• malignant neoplasms.

The main symptom of erythema nodosum is painful bright red nodules that most often appear on the skin of the anterior surface of the legs, in the area of ​​the knee and ankle joints.

Harbingers of the disease – fever up to 38–39 ° C, general weakness, headache, aching joints.

The nodes usually disappear without a trace within 2-3 weeks, successively changing their color to bluish, greenish, yellow (“bruising bloom”). There is no ulceration of the nodes. Relapses are not observed.

The diameter of the nodes is from 5 mm to 5 cm. The surrounding tissues are edematous, so the boundaries of the nodes can be difficult to determine. Photo: James Heilman, MD

Erythema multiforme exudative is an acute allergic disease in which spots, sometimes blisters, form on the skin and mucous membranes.

There are two types of erythema multiforme. The first – true, or infectious-allergic – occurs in 80% of cases and is an allergic reaction in response to a chronic focus of infection in the body. The second type – toxic-allergic erythema multiforme – can develop after taking certain drugs (amidopyrine, barbiturates, sulfonamides, tetracyclines).

The exact causes of exudative erythema multiforme have not yet been established. Most often, the disease is associated with herpes viruses, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, as well as pathogens of viral hepatitis, mycobacteria, mycoplasmas, streptococcus, fungi, parasites.

The onset of the disease is acute: a person has a fever, muscles and joints ache, and a headache. After about 1-2 days, rashes appear on the skin – swollen, itchy bumps of a bright pink color with clear boundaries. The tubercles rapidly increase in size, and their central part sinks down, forming rings. Blisters with cloudy or bloody contents may appear inside such rings.

Erythema multiforme rash usually lasts for several weeks, then disappears without leaving marks. Photo: James Heilman, MD

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is an acute severe allergic reaction that develops after taking certain drugs and is characterized by extensive lesions of the skin and mucous membranes.

The disease develops rapidly: a person’s temperature rises to 40 °C. Head and throat ache, coughing begins. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur.

Already a few hours after the first symptoms, large blisters appear on the mucous membrane of the mouth, which, after opening, turn into ulcers covered with a crust of gore and white-gray or yellowish films. It is difficult for patients to eat and drink, the condition is serious.

Purple blisters form on the skin, which can be up to 3–5 cm in diameter.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome requires mandatory hospitalization.

Scarlatiniform recurrent erythema of Feréol-Besnier is a skin disease that often develops against the background of influenza and other viral infections, drug intoxication and hypothermia.

At the beginning of the illness, the patient has a fever. The person feels unwell, headache. 2-3 days after the first symptoms, a rash appears on the skin – bright red spots that often merge. After a few days, the rash begins to disappear, while the skin is intensely flaky. On the palms and soles, it leaves almost completely, like gloves and stockings.

Skin on soles with erythema of Feréol – Besnier disappears almost completely

Lipschütz erythema migrans (Chronic Afzelius-Lipschütz erythema migrans) is a skin manifestation of the first stage of borreliosis (an acute bacterial infection that is transmitted to a person with the saliva of an infected ixodid tick).

Erythema appears at the site of a tick bite. It is constantly increasing in size and changing boundaries (hence the name “migratory”).

Erythema migrans looks like a red ring on the skin that appears around the site of a tick bite

A round or oval rash appears around the tick bite about 7 to 14 days after the person has been exposed to the parasite. In some cases, a rash may appear a month after the bite.

Usually, the center of erythema migrans is bright and has well-defined edges, and a red or burgundy rash gradually spreads from it in the form of a ring. The skin between the center and the ring is light. As a rule, the rash does not cause discomfort, but some patients report itching or fever.

On dark skin, erythema migrans may look like a hematoma (bruise).
A few weeks after the appearance of the first focus of erythema, the rash can spread to other parts of the body where the tick did not bite.

Erythema diagnostics

Diagnosis and treatment of erythema is carried out by a dermatologist, dermatovenereologist, infectious disease specialist or allergist. A general practitioner or pediatrician can refer the patient to these specialists.

At the appointment, the specialist interviews the patient and finds out when redness, rash or blisters appeared on the skin. To clarify the diagnosis, he may prescribe laboratory tests.

Complete blood count allows you to assess the state of human health. With erythema, the study usually shows an increased ESR and a low level of leukocytes.

Clinical blood test with leukocyte formula and ESR (with microscopy of a blood smear in case of pathological changes) (venous blood)

430 ₽

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C-reactive protein analysis will help determine the severity of the inflammatory process.

C-reactive protein

330 ₽

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If streptococcal infections are suspected, the doctor may order targeted tests for the patient.

Culture for pyogenic streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes)

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1 360 ₽

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Antistreptolysin-O (ASLO) testing can also help rule out or confirm streptococcal infection. An increase in this indicator may indicate infection with streptococcus, the causative agent of tonsillitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and other infections that can provoke the development of erythema nodosum.

Antistreptolysin-O (ASLO)

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Targeted analysis helps to detect tuberculosis, one of the causes of erythema nodosum.

Diagnosis of tuberculosis infection by T-SPOT method

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In addition, the physician may refer the patient for cultures and scrapings to determine the cause of erythema.

Sowing of wound discharge for microflora

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Sowing of the wound discharge for microflora with determination of the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibacterial drugs

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Sowing of the wound discharge for anaerobic microflora with determination of the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibacterial drugs

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Treatment of erythema

In most cases, non-infectious erythema resolves on its own – it is enough to eliminate the provoking factor. To speed up recovery, the doctor may prescribe symptomatic therapy to the patient: it will allow you to quickly remove swelling, itching and other unpleasant symptoms of erythema.

Infectious erythema is treated with antibiotics and antivirals. Also used are corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory drugs), drugs to strengthen blood vessels, antiplatelet agents (substances that prevent blood clots).

Anti-inflammatory ointments are applied topically.

In a severe course of the disease, the patient is given infusion therapy – saline is administered intravenously.

Disease prognosis

In most cases, the prognosis of erythema is favorable, with the exception of severe forms of the disease.

After recovery from erythema, no traces remain. Sometimes in the affected areas, a change in skin color is preserved – pigmentation.

In this case, erythema often recurs. To prevent possible relapses, it is important to consult a dermatologist in time and start treatment, as well as follow simple preventive measures.

Erythema prevention rules:

• support immunity,
• eat a balanced diet,
• observe the rules of personal hygiene,
• do not overcool or overheat,
• do not abuse alcohol,
• eliminate stressful situations if possible,
• regularly undergo preventive examinations and take tests.

Sources

1. Akimov VG Differential diagnosis of dermatosis manifested by erythema // Clinical dermatology and venereology. 2016. No. 1. P. 96–103.
2. Belov B.S., Egorova O.N., Karpova Yu.A., Balabanova R.M. Erythema nodosum: modern aspects // Scientific and Practical Rheumatology. 2010. No. 48(4). pp. 66–72.

what it is, causes and treatment – Expert articles on the website of dentistry ART

Soft and hard bumps on the gums are no less common dental problem than, for example, caries. This is evidenced by the number of patients visiting the dentists of our clinic. We will understand the types of ulcers, the causes of their appearance, as well as the methods of treatment. Remember: self-treatment can aggravate the course of the disease. So be sure to check with your doctor first!

Soft and hard bumps on the gums are no less common dental problem than, for example, caries. This is evidenced by the number of patients visiting the dentists of our clinic. We will understand the types of ulcers, the causes of their appearance, as well as the methods of treatment. Remember: self-treatment can aggravate the course of the disease. So be sure to check with your doctor first!

Contents

1. Hematoma
2. Fistula
3. Epulis
4. Periodontitis
5. Gingivitis
6. Fibroma
7. Cyst
8. Flux
9. Gum cancer

Hematoma

Description

If a bump on the gum is swollen, filled with blood, most likely it is a hematoma. Such a neoplasm occurs due to an incorrectly extracted tooth or injury. Such a bump on the gum above the tooth, as a rule, does not hurt.

Treatment

Self-absorbed. But if the bump hurts, contact your dentist for advice. The doctor will prescribe pain medication.

Fistula

Description

A bump appears on the gum with a hole for pus to drain. Occurs in the presence of advanced pulpitis.

Treatment

Pus is removed by rinsing with Chlorhexidine, Miramistin, saline or herbal decoctions. The drug for the treatment of white bumps on the gums in an adult is prescribed by a doctor.

Epulis

Treatment

Lump attached to the root of the tooth, colored either red or gum-colored. It affects the lower jaw, occurs as a result of malocclusion, permanent mechanical damage, poor quality of dentures. Often observed in women with hormonal imbalance.

Treatment

Removed by one of three methods: scalpel, diathermocoagulation or cryodestruction. Manipulation is performed under local anesthesia.

Periodontitis

Description

A hard bump on the gum, an abscess formed at the base of the tooth root. In the absence of therapy, it transforms into a benign tumor.

Treatment

If there is such hardening of the gums under the tooth, contact your dentist. Dental fillings and root canal cleaning are performed. After removing the exudate, oral baths with medicinal herbs or a soda solution are prescribed. Treatment of periodontitis may require repeated visits to the doctor.

Flux (periostitis)

Description

Inflammatory process of bone tissue, which is accompanied by pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the oral mucosa. Seals have purulent contents. The cause of the occurrence is an infection of the oral cavity, which occurs as a result of untreated caries.

Treatment

Treatment of the lump requires a visit to the doctor. The dentist opens the tooth, places special medicines in the cavity, closes it with a temporary filling. If the treatment does not bring positive results, the tooth is removed.

Gingivitis

Description

In this case, a small, red-colored bump swells up on the gum near the tooth. The disease is often accompanied by bleeding gums.

Treatment

The doctor cleans periodontal pockets, performs their antibacterial treatment, removes pathological formations.

Fibroma

Description

Benign tumor of epithelial cells. Initially, the bumps on the gums above the tooth are small and do not hurt. However, mechanical impact and other negative factors can lead to the transformation of fibroma into a malignant tumor.

Treatment

Treatment is carried out by surgery. The doctor excised the neoplasm, stitches, prescribes rinsing. Further follow-up visits may be required to monitor the recovery process.

Cyst

Description

Bone-hard hardening of the gums under the tooth, up to 1 cm in diameter. Occurs in people with weakened immunity, genetic predisposition, as well as due to acute infectious diseases, mechanical damage to the soft tissue of the oral cavity.

Treatment

Treatment is carried out in the same way as for fibroids – by excision. After surgery, rinses and mouth baths are necessary, as well as repeated visits to the doctor to monitor recovery.

Gum cancer

Description

Rare dangerous disease.