MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Pustules

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Pustules

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition	Considerations

Illustrations

Pustules, superficial on the arm

Acne - close-up of pustular lesions

Acne, cystic on the face

Alopecia areata with pustules

Dermatitis, pustular contact

Definition Return to top

Pustules are small, inflamed, pus-filled, blister-like lesions on the skin surface.

Considerations Return to top

Pustules on the skin surface are relatively common occurrences. Pustules are common in acne and are the yellowish topped, small, pus-filled lesions that adolescents are notorious for picking and squeezing.

Pustules may occur anywhere on the body, but they are common in the usual acne areas (face, shoulder, back, and over the breastbone), and in areas of increased sweating such as the groin and armpit.

Update Date: 4/17/2003

Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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