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 are common in acne. They may occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly seen on the face, shoulders, back, and over the breastbone, and in areas of increased sweating such as the groin and armpit. Pustules may be a sign of a bacterial infection.

Update Date: 10/18/2006

Updated by: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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