*What Is a Pustule?*

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.

*Pustule Symptoms:*

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

*Pustule Home Treatment:*

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

Gently wash the area with cleanser at least 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.