An Overview of Acne Pustules

An acne pustule is a type of pimple. These bulging patches of skin are pores that have become clogged with pus, sebum (oil), and cell debris. They may also be called whiteheads, blemishes, and zits. Though pustules can appear anywhere on the body, they're usually found on the face, neck, shoulders, and back.

Acne pustules can occur at any age. They're especially common, though, among teenagers and young adults who are undergoing hormonal changes that sometimes trigger acne breakouts.

This article will explain how acne pustules are different from other types of skin problems, why some people are more likely to get them, and how you can treat these pimples with over-the-counter (OTC) products and prescription medications. There are also suggestions for how you can prevent breakouts.

Acne Pustule Symptoms

Acne pustule appear different from other types of acne blemishes. A pustule is a red, inflamed pimple that has a white head filled with white, yellow, or cream-colored pus that oozes out if the pustule is pierced or broken.

Sometimes a brownish dot can be seen in the middle of a whitehead. This means debris is clogging the pore.

Pustules tend to occur near oil glands, especially around the face, back, chest, and shoulders. They can vary in size from very small to quite large.

Unlike noninflamed acne lesions, such as blackheads, milia, and comedones, pustules are sometimes tender to the touch.

Causes

Acne pustules develop when the walls of an affected pore begin to break down. It becomes a red, swollen skin blemish called a papule. White blood cells gather on the papule to fight against infection as the pore breaks down. These cells form the pus you see inside the blemish.

At this point, the papule becomes a pustule that is filled with sebum, bacteria, and cell debris. The bacteria associated with acne is Propionibacterium acnes.

Typical acne triggers include hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause; diet; oil and dirt allowed to build up on the skin; and certain medications. Acne also has a genetic component, meaning that family history can play a role.

Diagnosis

Acne pustules are easily diagnosed based on a few things:

• How the pimples appear
• Whether or not you have a personal or family history of acne
• Other symptoms such as fever or fatigue associated with viruses

Acne is usually categorized by how large and widespread the pustules are. Doctors may grade it as mild, moderate, or severe.

However, in addition to acne, other skin conditions can cause pustules. These include psoriasis, chickenpox, and even insect bites. A pustule that's exceptionally large may be a boil. A dermatologist—a doctor who specializes in conditions involving the skin, hair, and nails—can differentiate between acne pustules and those caused by another condition.

Treatment

Acne pustules typically heal on their own if left alone. However, because they're unsightly, especially when they appear on the face, most people don't want to wait for them to clear up naturally. To get rid of acne more quickly, you can try over-the-counter products, but sometimes, a stronger prescription medication may be needed.

Topical Treatments

OTC and prescription-strength creams or gels may be used as spot treatments that you can apply to individual blemishes. Other options include cleansers and body washes.

The active ingredients in most acne products are:

• Salicylic acid, which works as an exfoliant
• Benzoyl peroxide, which kills the bacteria that cause acne
• Retinoids, such as tretinoin, which are derived from vitamin A
• Adapalene, a retinoid-like ingredient sold under the brand name Differin in both OTC and prescription strengths
• Topical antibiotics, including clindamycin and erythromycin

Oral Treatments

Antibiotics such as tetracycline, erythromycin, minocycline, and doxycycline are commonly used for acne. For very severe acne, a powerful oral retinoid called isotretinoin (formerly available under the brand name Accutane) is sometimes prescribed. It must be used with caution because it causes severe birth defects.

Photodynamic Therapy

For severe acne pustules, a procedure called photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be used. This combines light and a special light-activated solution to shrink the skin's oil glands. This can drastically reduce the amount of oil within the pores to shrink pimples.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Some natural products may also help treat acne pustules, although there is scant research to prove they're effective. These include tea tree oil, bovine cartilage, zinc, jojoba oil, and aloe vera.

Prevention

For people who are prone to frequent acne breakouts, there are measures that can help prevent blemishes such as pustules. These include:

• Keeping skin clean and free of oil
• Shampooing regularly to prevent acne breakouts at the hairline
• Using sunscreens, moisturizers, makeup, and other products that are labeled "noncomedogenic," which means they're formulated not to provoke acne
• Bathing or showering after strenuous physical activity to remove oil and sweat that can lead to breakouts

Summary

Acne pustules can be a minor annoyance or a significant problem that affects your quality of life. These blemishes are a type of pimple that develop when pores get clogged by oil and dead skin cells. They differ from other pustules, which might be caused by a virus, infection, or insect bite.

Cleaning and moisturizing your skin can help prevent breakouts Following a healthy diet can also keep acne under control. Some risk factors such as genetics and hormonal changes aren't as easily managed. However, there are a variety of treatments that can help clear up pustules when they appear.

A Word From Verywell

Acne pustules are common and harmless, but they are also unsightly—and that can be upsetting. There are a number of effective measures that can help treat and/or prevent pustules and other blemishes, from simple home remedies to prescription medications.

If you frequently develop acne pustules, given the wide range of options, you should be able to find an effective approach to dealing with them.