Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : September 25, 2014 1:52 PM IST
As you wait patiently for the doctor to tell you and your loved ones about your illness, hoping against hope that everything is alright, the doctor speaks but you don't understand a single word! Packed with medical mumbo-jumbo doctors usually speak a language that nobody but their own peers can understand. We at www.thehealthsite.com are going to attempt to explain one term at a time, so that your next visit to the doctor is much smoother.Earlier we explained terms like 'convalescence', 'prognosis', 'benign', 'malignant', 'concussion' and 'aneurysm' this week we are going to explain the term 'pustule'.
What is a pustule?
A pustule is usually a small pus-filled blister (or phodi in hindi). They are common in people suffering from acne and usually appear on the face, back and sweaty areas like the groin and armpits and are commonly seen along the centre of the chest (the breast bone). They are usually caused due a bacterial infection and the most commonly found pustules are formed in and around an infected hair follicle.
How is it caused?
Many people suffer from pustules, especially in the summers when the weather is hot and humid. Sweat and bacteria present on the skin can infect a region leading to formation of a pustule.
Dos and don'ts:
(Read: Home remedies and face packs to fight pimples)
How is it treated?
Depending on their size and severity a pustule can be treated with either medication (usually an antibacterial or steroidal cream and a course of oral antibiotics) or may need surgical intervention. Here the doctor assesses the severity of the infection and drains out the fluid/pus by surgically incising it. Depending on the severity of the case the procedure may be performed either with or without anaesthesia.
Once your doctor drains a pustule, make sure you complete the course of antibiotics prescribed and get the dressing of the wound changed regularly. Once the dressing has been removed, avoid scraping off the scab (hard black/brown crust that forms on a wound when it is healing), or scratching the area, this can lead to re-infection.
So, the next time you suffer from pustules, visit your doctor. He/she will be able to help you appropriately.
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