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Papules
topped by pus-filled lesions that may be red at the
base.
Pustules
are blockages of the pores and sebaceous glands
that have become inflamed. The sebaceous glands are
generally found in areas where the hair is located,
but also in some hairless areas of the body as well,
except for the palms of the hands and the soles of
the feet.
Sebaceous
glands produce sebum, a fatty based oil that
moisturizes the skin and hair. Without sebum, hair
would be brittle and thin while skin would be
leathery and dry. Sebum allows skin to maintain its
suppleness and resistance to water.
When
the sebaceous glands are excited and produce
excessive sebum, it floods the follicle and a
portion may harden into a plug. Skin-based bacteria
called P. Acnes, which are a natural part of the
environment, combined with dead skin cells and dirt
may join together and infect the area of the
follicle underneath the plug.
The
area of inflammation will appear as a pink or
reddened lesion on the skin; sometimes the lesion
contains a white head or cap. It is not advised to
pop or squeeze the lesion without being under the
supervision of a physician because it can lead to
further infection and scarring.
Pustules
are what most people define as a common pimple and are a
mild form of acne. Some methods of treating pustules
include...
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