Pustules are a common type of acne lesion characterized by raised, inflamed papules with a white or yellow center containing pus at the top, often referred to as the head of the pimple. They can develop on the face, neck, back, and other areas of the body. Pustules can also be caused by other factors, such as acne, folliculitis, and impetigo.
Pustules are typically white or yellow in color and have a red, inflamed base. They can be painful and itchy, and they may eventually burst, releasing pus. Pustules are most common on the face, but they can also occur on other parts of the body, such as the chest, back, and arms.
Causes of Pustules:
Pustules develop when hair follicles become clogged with excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection. Factors that can contribute to the formation of pustules include hormonal fluctuations, genetics, stress, certain medications, and the use of comedogenic (pore-clogging) skincare or cosmetic products.
Diagnosing and treating pustules fall outside the scope of skincare and beauty professionals, who should refer clients to a qualified physician. Acne pustules are also beyond the expertise of skincare professionals, who should refrain from extracting or manipulating them. If pustules are present on the face or body, skincare professionals should avoid massages and most treatments, unless specifically requested by a doctor.
Pustules are formed when white blood cells and the body’s defense mechanism respond to an infection and inflammation at a particular site. This response leads to the accumulation of dead cells from the white blood cells, microorganisms, and dead tissue, which is known as pus. The resulting lesion, filled with pus, appears as a yellowish or whitish debris, and is also referred to as a pustule.
Pustules in acne are an indication of a high microbial count that may require topical or oral antibiotics. Although it is not a common practice for estheticians or master estheticians to extract pustules, under the supervision of a dermatologist or a qualified professional, it can be done. Correctly performed pustule extraction can open the tips of the pustules, allowing the pus to drain to the surface of the skin instead of spreading horizontally and infecting surrounding areas of skin.