Purulent rashes on the face: types of acne and causes of appearance

What it is?

Several main factors provoke the occurrence of purulent rashes. Most often, the reason lies in the proliferation of pathogenic flora. The culprits are viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

With such ailments, purulent acne can form on the entire body or individual areas:

• acne;
• streptococcal infection;
• staphylococcus;
• seborrhea;
• dermatomycosis;
• allergic dermatitis;
• demodicosis;
• childhood skin infections;
• hormonal imbalance in the body.

Among other things, this type of rash is caused by failure to comply with basic hygiene rules, the use of low-quality cosmetics, and poor nutrition due to a lack of certain vitamins and microelements.

Skin care

Measures to prevent the formation of pustules also include proper skin care.

To keep it healthy and beautiful, it is enough to understand a few simple rules:

1. Drink at least 2 liters. water every day.
2. Don't forget to remove your makeup before going to bed.
3. Regularly moisturize your skin with special products.
4. Be careful and moderate when applying makeup.
5. Use cosmetics that are suitable for your age and skin type.
6. Protect skin from ultraviolet rays.
7. Clean it regularly.

These are formations that can ruin the appearance of the skin and face as a whole, as can be seen by looking at numerous photos.

Many people consider purulent acne to be the most unpleasant problem that can appear on the skin. It is important to know how to treat and what is prevention.

Why can't you squeeze it out?

You should not squeeze inflamed pimples, especially on the face in the nasolabial triangle area, on the head, neck, and other parts of the body.

Why?

1. Self-removal of inflamed acne opens the door for secondary infection to the affected area. A non-healing wound gives access to germs from the surrounding air and from dirty hands.
2. Microorganisms that live on the skin and are considered opportunistic can penetrate into the blood.
3. The infection can spread throughout the body when the purulent surface covers a large area, bringing not only external discomfort, but also a danger to the entire body.
4. Mechanical damage injures the skin epidermis and sebaceous glands, the contents spread subcutaneously, and numerous new foci of inflammation form nearby.
5. Pus from a pimple infects healthy skin, often the infection enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body through blood circulation.

In addition to everything else, squeezed out purulent pimples leave unsightly red scars for a long time.

When there are a lot of acne, scars appear on a large surface. It can be quite difficult to restore the skin to its former healthy appearance after such manipulations.

Characteristic signs of inflammation

Any rash (pimples, blackheads, boils) can periodically turn red, swell and become inflamed. As a result, a formation is formed, which is a swollen node rising above the surface of the dermis, with suppuration inside and pronounced swelling of the tissues adjacent to it. When squeezed, it leaves a scar or welt.

The main symptoms of skin inflammation on the face include:

• increased fat content of the affected area;
• severe pore expansion;
• formation of black dots;
• redness, itching in the inflamed area;
• unpleasant sensations, discomfort when pressing on the inflamed area;
• the presence of clear boundaries of the pimple;
• the appearance of tubercles on healthy areas of the epidermis;
• the presence of purulent or transparent exudate.

Reasons for appearance

The most common cause of purulent acne is increased secretion of subcutaneous sebum and blockage of sebaceous and sweat ducts with exudate.

Increased efficiency of the sebaceous glands occurs in the following conditions and ailments:

• violation of hygiene measures;
• allergic reaction to cosmetics, body care products, gels, soaps, shampoos;
• liver diseases;
• hormonal imbalance;
• long-term use of certain medications, hormonal contraceptives, immunosuppressants.

Individual skin characteristics influence. Sometimes the tendency to hyperkeratosis thickens the upper cells of the epidermis, the skin becomes denser and drier.

Skin secretions are unevenly distributed over the entire surface, creating favorable conditions for the growth of pathogenic micropathogens.

The child has

In childhood, purulent acne can appear on the body, the reasons differ from adults. More often this occurs due to a decrease in protective forces, dysbacteriosis, skin and viral infections.

Rashes in a child are caused by:

• allergic processes in the body;
• diathesis from sweet foods, some fruits, medications;
• diaper rash on wet areas of the skin;
• childhood infections - chickenpox, measles, rubella and others;
• infection with molluscum contagiosum;
• presence of herpes infection.

When scratching prickly heat and inflamed pimples, long-healing wounds appear. You should not treat your baby yourself; treatment should be prescribed by a pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist.

On the back

The cause of purulent acne on the shoulders and back lies in the increased activity of the sweat and sebaceous glands.

Red inflammation can appear due to a lack of certain vitamins and microelements; it is edematous tissue with purulent foci.

Among them you can notice:

• red papules - small balls that can become inflamed;
• pustules - rashes with purulent exudate inside;
• nodular inflammation - affects the superficial and deep layers of the skin;
• cysts are bluish purulent inflammation that causes pain on palpation.

The skin on the back and shoulders has a dense structure, which is why general baths, compresses, masks, and ready-made pharmaceutical preparations are used to combat acne.

On the head

The hair covers the skin, purulent rashes are invisible to others. But pain and inconvenience when combing cause a lot of trouble.

Causes of purulent acne on the head:

• low-quality shampoo, hair dyes, balm, conditioner;
• insufficient hair and scalp care;
• hormonal imbalance in the body, affecting premenstrual syndrome, abortion, pregnancy, transition and menopause;
• skin diseases - dermatitis, seborrhea, psoriasis.

When acne occurs on the head, itching, redness, peeling, and swelling appear.
To prescribe drug therapy, you should consult a doctor. Read what conglobate globular acne is. Steroid acne on the face, look at the photo, here.

On the nose

The skin on the nose has a large number of pores and sebaceous glands compared to other areas of the face. Vapors are often clogged with secretions, and infection can develop in them.

Causes of purulent pimples on the nose:

• ignoring the principles of rational nutrition;
• problems with the stomach or intestines (constipation);
• decreased immunity;
• frequent washing with soap;
• allergies to cosmetics.

On hands

The cause of purulent acne on the arms and hands lies in excessive dryness of the skin. Constant friction with tight sweaters and turtlenecks, and wearing clothes made of synthetic low-quality materials influences this.

Another reason could be altered hormonal levels during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or skin dermatitis and dermatoses.

On the butt of women

Causes of purulent acne in the buttocks and intimate area:

• insufficient supply of skin with nutrients and oxygen;
• passive lifestyle;
• prickly heat, allergies, hypothermia;
• venereal diseases;
• reaction to cosmetics.

In a man

The causes of purulent acne among the male population differ little from those among women. The most common factor is increased sweating, which is influenced by insufficient skin care.

Purulent rashes can form when infected with a sexually transmitted infection.

Popular types of salon procedures: is it worth doing them?

If treating a purulent rash at home does not give results or you simply don’t have enough time for it, a salon will help you make your skin clean and smooth.

Laser therapy for purulent acne

Before starting treatment, you should definitely consult a dermatologist. Since laser radiation has a narrowly targeted thermal effect, it partially destroys the cells of the sebaceous glands and significantly reduces the production of sebum.

This kills most bacteria and fungi. To achieve a therapeutic effect, it is recommended to undergo at least 10 procedures.

Phototherapy of acne

This procedure stops the intensive proliferation of bacteria that cause acne. The advantages of the technique are painlessness and the absence of microdamage to the skin during the treatment process. After 7-10 sessions, the face looks cleaner.

Benefits of peeling

Professional peeling allows you to narrow the pores on the face, significantly reduce the number of acne, smooth out scars left behind by ulcers, and lighten age spots. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and promotes the resorption of ulcers and the removal of dead skin.

Mechanical facial cleansing

Mechanical cleansing of the face allows you to quickly and without consequences remove mature pustules, for which you use a strainer and a special Unna spoon. The procedure is quite traumatic, so it is better to resort to it no more than once every 2-4 months.

Can mesotherapy help in treatment?

Mesotherapy is an effective way to forget about ulcers on the face forever. Using special equipment, medicinal drugs are injected subcutaneously into the exact area where purulent acne is localized.

Ozone therapy

During this procedure, the area of ​​skin around the pimple or the abscess itself is injected with an oxygen-ozone mixture. The rash disappears very quickly thanks to the lipolytic properties of ozone, which has an anti-inflammatory effect and almost completely eliminates excess subcutaneous sebum.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy allows you to destroy most of the bacteria that cause the inflammatory process. During the session, the ulcers are treated with liquid nitrogen, after which they quickly dry out, become covered with a crust and gradually die off.

Treatment

To cure purulent acne, the cause of which is known, specific therapy is prescribed, aimed at eliminating the underlying factors.

The main goal of treatment is to prevent the infection from spreading to large areas of the skin and to avoid getting into the blood.

Medication

Complex treatment is used. Drug therapy consists of external and internal use. Additionally, it is required to follow the correct diet and personal hygiene rules.

During treatment, you should avoid creams, body balms, and decorative cosmetics if rashes appear on the forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks.

External means

First, wiping with antiseptic solutions is used, which leads to a reduction in inflammation, relieving burning, itching, and swelling. Then medications are used in the form of ointments, creams, and gels.

Prescribed:

• for allergic rashes, ointments with antihistamines are prescribed - Gistan, Panthenol;
• ointments containing hormones - prednisolone ointment, Fluorocort, Elokom;
• To relieve inflammation, swelling, redness, ointments with antibiotics are used - gentamicin, lincomycin, Levomekol.

For bacterial infected pimples with a weeping itchy surface, combination drugs are prescribed: Flucinar, Triderm, Lorinden, zinc ointment, Radevit.

Domestic

For chronic rashes, antihistamines Chloropyramine, Suprastin, Cetirizine, Tavegil are prescribed. It is possible to use antibiotics orally after identifying sensitive flora.

A rash caused by a sexually transmitted infection is treated with specific medications. Metronidazole, Levomycetin, Tetracycline tablets are prescribed internally.

Sometimes hormonal drugs are used to stabilize the function and improve the efficiency of the hormonal system.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine methods help if purulent acne appears for the first time. Use herbal decoctions, baths, lotions.

Traditional methods of treatment are used together with medications. This promotes rapid healing of wounds.

Apply:

• tea tree oil;
• rosehip oil;
• baking soda solution;
• aloe juice;
• beeswax;
• plantain leaves;
• compresses with green tea.

Traditional medicine is based on the fact that this medicinal plant contains antiseptic components, anti-inflammatory substances, relieve redness, swelling, and itching.

Lotions made from chamomile, sage, string, and calendula promote rapid healing of wounds and regeneration of damaged tissues.

How to treat

Treatment of ulcers involves an integrated approach to the problem, and in addition to eliminating the external manifestation, it implies getting rid of the cause that caused their appearance.

Medication

The choice of medications is extensive, and without the help of a doctor you can get lost in their range. All funds are selected individually. Also, a treatment regimen is developed for each patient, depending on the causative factor.

External means

Vishnevsky ointment

Has strong healing and regenerating effects. The principle of its action is to warm the abscess and skin area, which accelerates the breakout of the pimple and draws out pus from the wound.

Used according to the scheme:

1. Fold sterile gauze into 4 layers.
2. Apply a little ointment to it.
3. Apply a compress to the problem area.
4. Cover the top with polyethylene and secure with adhesive tape.

The ointment is also used to prevent the formation of pustules: you need to lubricate the area that is bothered by pain and itching, and after 30-40 minutes. wash off. The product is not recommended for use with highly sensitive skin.

Video: Vishnevsky ointment - all about the drug

Baziron AS

The gel stops the proliferation of bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms, thereby eliminating the main cause of acne.

The application rules are the same as the previous product with the only difference that “Baziron AS” is applied with massage movements 2 times a day: in the morning and at night.

In addition to the above mentioned remedies, you can use ichthyol, syntomycin and salicylic ointments to eliminate ulcers. Metrogyl, Levomekol, Zinerit, Skinoren-gel dry and heal the wound well.

Domestic

The following medications are prescribed for internal use:

1. Antibiotics: Erythromycin, Levomycetin, Metronidazole.
2. Hormones in birth control pills: “Yarina”, “Jess”.
3. Retinoids: Roaccutane, Retinol Palmitate.
4. Probiotics: “Lactofiltrum”, Linex.”
5. Vitamin and mineral complexes.

The results of using each remedy are individual and depend on the cause, characteristics of the body, immunity, and also on the severity of the condition.

Folk remedies

In alternative medicine, there are recipes that help eliminate purulent acne on the face. But their use is possible only after consultation with a doctor and his approval.

Well proven:

1. St. John's wort. Prepare a decoction: 2 tbsp. l. pour the flowers of the plant with 2 tbsp. water, simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes. After cooling, strain and wipe the skin twice a day.
2. Sagebrush. To prepare the infusion 2 tbsp. l. 500 ml of dried plant is poured. boiling water, infuse for 8-9 hours. Afterwards, the product is filtered and used as directed 4 times a day.
3. Plantain. The juice of the plant is a strong antiseptic and has an effect on wound healing. It can be used to treat both the inflamed area and the entire face for preventive purposes 4-6 times a day.

To combat purulent formations, you can also take mustard powder, iodine, tar soap, chamomile, oatmeal with lemon juice, calendula, aloe, etc.

Prevention

Observing the rules of personal hygiene, physical activity, regular exercise, and swimming in the pool helps prevent purulent acne on the skin. Evening foods in the fresh air are beneficial.

Proper nutrition plays an important role. Fatty, salty, smoked foods, mayonnaise, fast food, carbonated drinks, and chips should be excluded. It is necessary to enrich the diet with fruits, herbs, vegetables, grains, and dairy products.

How the disease progresses

Despite the fact that the problem has a long development period, it appears abruptly. Maturation is divided into the following stages:

1. Swelling of the area where a formation will appear in the future.
2. Inside this swelling, a tubercle, a purulent core forms.
3. The problem area hurts and does not allow you to forget about yourself.
4. The pus breaks out, after which the problem area heals and eventually returns to its normal state.

A particular problem is the long gestation period. It creates a problem because you want to get rid of the trouble as quickly as possible.

However, we must not forget about caution, because many, unfortunately, popular methods of self-control lead to negative consequences, in particular, squeezing.

Photos before and after

See methods for cleaning your face from acne at home. How to get rid of the causes of whiteheads on the face. Find out further.

How to choose an effective treatment with tablets for juvenile acne with pustules?
The answer is here. Treatment with ointments and oral tablets should be prescribed by a qualified dermatologist after a thorough examination.

Traditional medicine recipes

Pustules on the head, as well as on other parts of the body, can be lubricated with an alcoholic infusion of calendula, which should be purchased at the pharmacy. the same treatment is carried out when a vesicle or papule appears.

You can also use an infusion of calendula flowers. Brew a tablespoon of flowers with a glass of boiling water, leave for 2 hours, strain and use as a cleanser.

Another treatment option for red pustules is aloe. Chop the leaf, add 5 times more water, boil over heat for 3 minutes, strain and also use for washing.

With proper and timely treatment, pustules can be eliminated within a few weeks. In severe cases, treatment can be carried out in a hospital setting.

Author - Anna Mikhailova, dermatologist-cosmetologist of the first category, specialist at the Academy of Scientific Beauty. Especially for the site “Treating Acne”.