Are you dealing with pus filled pimples? If yes is your answer, then you might be dealing with a severe type of acne, which is quite painful and challenging to treat. These swollen bumps filled with pus often seem to appear out of nowhere, ruining your face complexion. But don’t worry, read more and find out the causes of pus filled pimples, how to get rid of pus filled pimples quickly and effectively, and how to prevent them from reappearing.

What are Pus filled pimples or bumps filled with pus?

Pus filled pimples, also known as pustules and bumps filled with pus, are a type of acne lesion that occurs when bacteria become trapped in hair follicles. These clogged pores can lead to inflammation and accumulation of pus, a thick yellowish fluid composed of white blood cells and dead skin cells.

Pus Filled Pimples Meaning

Pus filled pimples are essentially a sign that your body is fighting an infection in the skin. They are a common feature of moderate to severe acne and can be more problematic than regular pimples because of the risk of scarring and spreading infection if not treated properly. Understanding the meaning behind these bumps filled with pus or pus filled pimples is the first step toward effective treatment.

What is white stuff from pimples?

The white or yellowish stuff that you see when a pimple pops is pus. Pus is made up of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and debris. This is part of your body’s response to fighting infection. However, trying to force out that pus from a pimple by popping it can lead to inflammation, scarring, and infections that go deeper into your skin. Always use the prescribed medicinal treatment for a pustule.

Under the Skin Pimple

Sometimes, you may notice a painful bump under the skin that feels like a pimple but doesn’t have a visible head. These are known as cystic acne, a severe type of acne that forms deep under the skin. Cystic pimples can also become filled with pus, but because they are deeper, they don’t come to a head as surface pimples do. Treating these requires a more targeted approach.

What are the causes of pus filled pimples?

To effectively treat pus filled pimples, it’s crucial to understand what causes them in the first place. As we all know, acne, a common skin condition, is caused by hormonal imbalances, poor skincare habits, dietary factors, stress, genetics, and certain medications. The severity of acne determines the number and size of these lesions. In addition to these, there are certain conditions that cause these painful pus filled bumps.

• Infections: Bacterial infections like folliculitis, viral infections like herpes, smallpox, and chickenpox, parasitic infections like scabies, and fungal infections like candidiasis and tinea can all lead to pus-filled pimples.
• Skin Disorders: Acute skin conditions such as blistering disorders, pustular psoriasis, acne rosacea, and contact dermatitis can also cause eruptions that contain pus.
• Drug Eruptions: Certain medications can cause acne-like eruptions, including pustules.
• Food Allergies: Severe food allergies may manifest as pus-filled boils.
• Insect Bites: Bites from venomous insects can result in painful and tender bumps on the skin.

What are the symptoms of pus filled pimples?

This is usually what people refer to as “what is the white stuff from pimples” – a mix of pus, dead white blood cells and bacteria.

If you experience a pustule that is accompanied by significant inflammation, pain, or unusually warm skin, it is important to consult a dermatologist for relief. Additionally, if you notice any of the following symptoms, like fever, diarrhea, cold, vomiting, and nausea, along with your pustules, it is advisable to schedule a consultation with the doctor to know the underlying cause.

How to get rid of pus filled pimples effectively?

Most of them will pop the pus filled pimples to reduce the pain or pus buildup, but did you know that it causes scarring and gives an adverse reaction? Here are some of the effective treatments offered at Evenly Clinic to answer how to get rid of pus filled pimples:

Must Read: What Causes Facial Bumps and How to Get Rid of Them?

Topical Treatments:

Using the right topical medicines is crucial for reducing inflammation and clearing up the pus filled pimples. Our dermatologists prescribe a variety of topical treatments, including:

• Benzoyl peroxide: This antibacterial agent helps kill bacteria that contribute to acne and reduces inflammation.
• Salicylic acid: A skin-resurfacing agent, exfoliates, unclogs pores, and helps prevent future breakouts.
• Antibiotics: Topical antibiotics like clindamycin, minocycline, and many others are effective in targeting bacteria that cause acne.
• Sulfur-based products: It can reduce the appearance of pimples due to its drying and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Retinoids like adapalene A synthetic retinoid that reduce the buildup of dead skin cells and oil that can lead to clogged pores and reduce inflammation and redness.

Oral medications

In case where the topical treatments are not enough, oral medications might be prescribed:

• Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics like doxycycline or minocycline can help reduce bacteria and inflammation. They are typically prescribed for short-term use to avoid antibiotic resistance.
• Hormonal treatment: For women, birth control pills or spironolactone can be prescribed to regulate hormones that contribute to acne.

Professional treatments to address bumps filled with pus

Sometimes, to effectively treat pus filled pimples and prevent scarring, our dermatologists may recommend some of the advanced treatments that include:

• Chemical peel: Chemical peel for pimples involves applying a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate the top layers, clear out clogged pores, and reduce acne lesions. Our specialists may use plant-based acidic solutions such as salicylic acid, which helps to exfoliate the skin and treat bumps filled with pus.
• Comedone extraction: Comedone extraction is a procedure where blackheads and whiteheads are manually removed. This can help to reduce the number of pus-filled pimples and prevent future breakouts.
• Acne clean up: An acne clean-up involves a thorough cleansing of the skin to remove excess oil, dirt, and bacteria. This can help to reduce inflammation and prevent further acne breakouts.
• Intralesional injections: This is one of the most effective answers to how to treat pimple with pus when over the counter and topical treatments do not work. For severe acne, intralesional injections are often recommended to reduce swelling. These injections involve injecting a medication directly into the acne lesions, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

While professional treatments are often the most effective, it is crucial to avoid using home remedies to treat pus filled pimples. They may offer temporary relief but may worsen your skin condition.

How to treat pimple with pus at home?

Treating pimple with pus at home is not a good practice, it is recommended to treat in a clinical setting. However, here are some of the steps that helps to treat the inflammation of pus filled pimples.

• Do not pop or squeeze it or remove it with your own hands.
• Use a warm compress to relieve pain and allow natural drainage.
• Cleanse with a gentle and non-comedogenic cleanser.
• Apply a spot treatment with either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
• If your pimple does not get better or gets worse then you should see a dermatologist to evaluate further.

Before and After Images of pus filled pimples Treatment

Check out the below gallery of one of our clients after taking pustule treatment.

Visible difference after Evenly Clinic’s treatment for pustules.

How to prevent pus filled pimples?

Now you understand how to get rid of pus filled pimples effectively. Now let’s find out some tips to prevent pus-filled pimples from forming. Prevention is always better than curing.

• Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil, exfoliate regularly, and moisturise to keep your skin healthy.
• Pick only non-comedogenic skin care products, as they won’t clog your pores.
• Try to limit your intake of high-glycaemic index foods and dairy products.
• If you notice breakouts, consider reducing your use of makeup or opting for water-based products.
• Avoid touching your face unnecessarily, as this can transfer bacteria and oils to your skin.
• Use a sunscreen suitable for your skin type to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.

If you notice pustules or pus filled pimples in a prominent place and are not able to manage and prevent them even after following the above tips, schedule a consultation with a dermatologist.

Dealing with pus-filled pimples can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can effectively treat and prevent them. If you are unsure how to treat pimple with pus or if over the counter products are not helping, let our expert dermatologists at Evenly clinic create a treatment plan tailored to your skin.

Visit us at: 

Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic – HSR Layout

Third Floor, 815, 27th Main Rd, above Bluestone, 1st Sector, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102

Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic – Jayanagar

35, Ground Floor, Vinyas Arcade, 11th Main Rd, Vishya Bank Colony, 5th Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560041

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Frequently Asked Questions

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any skin and hair-related questions or would like to discuss personalized solutions, please reach out to us at 7337899030. Our team of specialists is committed to delivering personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident you by scheduling a consultation with us today. Your journey to vibrant skin and stronger hair begins here.