What are pustules?

Pustules are best described as small collections of pus under the skin. They are typically associated with various skin conditions and represent localized accumulations of inflammatory cells and debris. The presence of pus, which is a thick fluid containing dead white blood cells and bacteria, indicates an inflammatory response, often due to infection or irritation.

Understanding this definition helps in recognizing pustules in a clinical setting, as they can indicate conditions like acne, folliculitis, or infections. The clarity of identifying pustules as pus-filled indicates their potential to evolve further in symptoms or require medical intervention depending on their underlying cause. This differentiates them from other skin injuries or lesions that may not involve an accumulation of pus or a similar inflammatory response.