pustule

Classification according to ICD-10
L08.9	Local skin and subcutaneous infection, unspecified
ICD-10 online (WHO version 2019)

A pustule (from Latin pustula 'vesicle') or pus , colloquially also pimple , in the Bavarian and Austrian language area Wimmerl , is a superficial ( epidermal or subepidermal ) cavity of the skin filled with pus . The pustule is one of the so-called primary skin changes ( primary lesions ) in dermatology . Their contents can be germ-free (as in generalized pustular psoriasis) or infectious.

Example acne

In the case of " acneiform diseases" such as acne vulgaris , on the other hand, due to hyperkeratosis in the area of ​​the hair follicle opening to the skin surface (the follicular ostium), a backlog of sebum formed by the sebum glands of the skin and thus a retention cyst , which is known as a "white" or closed comedo ("blackhead"), provided the follicle opening remains closed or almost closed. In a so-called open comedo, the upper layer can turn black due to melanin , dirt or oxidation : a “black head” is created. White and black comedos lead to the image of "acne comedonica". Only when the comedo becomes inflamed and melts in purulent form does it become a pustule and thus an acne papulopustulosa as an advanced stage of acne vulgaris.

The cause of the inflammation is mainly the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes , which finds ideal growth conditions in the comedo.

Other pustular diseases

Pustules can be characteristic of the skin's primary fluorescence in many other skin diseases , such as the

• Candidomycetica balanitis
• Folliculitis
• Pustulosis palmaris et plantaris ( synonym Andrews bacteride )
• Pustulosis subcornealis Sneddon-Wilkinson , intermittent blisters as a differential diagnosis to dermatitis herpetiformis Duhring
• secondary syphilis
• Staphylodermia follicularis

Pustula maligna is the name of an anthrax vesicle.

treatment

Pustules do not persist ("persist") for long, they open up by themselves or dry up, a crust forms from the serum and pus. In severe cases of acne treatment is by a skin doctor ( dermatologist recommended). There are several active ingredients and supportive therapy methods available.

There is a lot of advice literature on the treatment of acne, blemished skin and pustules (pimples, whimpers). Above all, it is important to observe your own body, how the skin reacts after consuming certain foods or after using certain skin care products, and to omit harmful substances in this regard.

See also

• abscess
• boil
• Phlegmon
• Wheal

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Alphabetical directory for the ICD-10-WHO version 2019, volume 3. German Institute for Medical Documentation and Information (DIMDI), Cologne, 2019, p. 733
2. ↑ J. Darier: Outline of dermatology. Springer-Verlag, 2013, ISBN 978-3-642-91475-1 , p. 112 ( limited preview in the Google book search).
3. ↑ Sophie Faber: Treating the TRIAS manual properly yourself. Georg Thieme Verlag, 2007, ISBN 978-3-830-43253-1 , ( limited preview in the Google book search).

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !