WordGarden.iopustule
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈʌstjuːl/
US
Meanings
Noun
a small pus-filled blister or bump on the skin
Beyond the definition
Imagine a tiny volcano on your skin; that is often what a pustule looks like. It is a small bump filled with pus, often caused by acne, irritation, or an infection in the skin. You might notice one when a pore or hair follicle becomes inflamed. While it is not always serious, it can be sore and may sometimes need medical attention. Think of it as a small, visible sign that your body is reacting to trouble in one spot.
Pustules are different from regular whiteheads or simple pimples because they are usually more inflamed and have a clear white or yellow head. You might see them on your face, back, or anywhere else you get breakouts. A doctor may sometimes drain one safely, but you should never try to open it yourself at home.
A pustule is a small, raised spot on the skin that contains pus. It often appears as a swollen bump with a white or yellow center and a red area around it. Many people meet this word in the context of acne, but pustules can also appear with skin infections, inflamed hair follicles, reactions to bites, or skin diseases such as pustular psoriasis. In other words, a pustule is a type of skin lesion defined by what it contains, not by one single cause.
It forms when the skin becomes inflamed and the area fills with white blood cells, fluid, and other material that turns into pus. Sometimes this happens because germs are involved, and sometimes it happens because of irritation or an underlying skin condition. Pustules are often tender to the touch and can range from very small to fairly noticeable.
It is best not to pick or squeeze pustules. Doing so can worsen inflammation, spread germs when infection is present, and increase the risk of scarring. Many will improve with gentle skin care and common treatments, but larger, painful, or repeated ones may need medical care. Understanding what a pustule is can help you describe skin problems more clearly and know when it is time to see a doctor.
Examples
- 1
Skin symptom
By morning, a small pustule had formed on the edge of her lip.
- Usage
used mainly in medical or skin-care contexts
- 2
Dermatology
The dermatologist explained that the red bumps would soon develop into pustules.
- 3
Skin care
Don't squeeze the pustules, or you may make the inflammation worse.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- pustulenoun
Forms
- pustulespluralnoun