Pustules
Pustules are small, inflamed, pus-filled, blister-like sores (lesions) on the skin surface.
Pustules are common in acne and folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle). They may occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly seen in these areas:
- Back
- Face
- Over the breastbone
- Shoulders
- Sweaty areas, such as the groin or armpit
Pustules may be a sign of an infection. In some cases, they are non-infectious and associated with inflammation in the skin or taking certain medicines. They should be checked by a health care provider and may need to be tested (cultured) for bacteria or fungus.
References
Dinulos JGH. Principles of diagnosis and anatomy. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 1.
Marks JG, Miller JJ. Pustules. In: Marks JG, Miller JJ, eds. Lookingbill and Marks' Principles of Dermatology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 12.
Pustules - superficial on the arm - illustration
Pustules - superficial on the arm
illustration
Acne - close-up of pustular lesions - illustration
Acne - close-up of pustular lesions
illustration
Acne - cystic on the face - illustration
Acne - cystic on the face
illustration
Dermatitis - pustular contact - illustration
Dermatitis - pustular contact
illustration
Pustules - superficial on the arm - illustration
Pustules - superficial on the arm
illustration
Acne - close-up of pustular lesions - illustration
Acne - close-up of pustular lesions
illustration
Acne - cystic on the face - illustration
Acne - cystic on the face
illustration
Dermatitis - pustular contact - illustration
Dermatitis - pustular contact
illustration
Review Date: 11/30/2022
Reviewed By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.