Pustules on Face

There are these glands called the sebaceous glands in the body. The job of these glands is to secrete sebum; which is an oily secretion to help the hair and skin be in a moisturized state. This oily secretion reaches the skin by traveling up to the hair shaft and then out of the hair follicle. Problem occurs when the glands start producing excess sebum, along with dead skin cells. So when this happens, these two substances form a build up in the hair follicle in the form of a soft plug. Now when this blockage of the follicle becomes infected or inflamed, the skin develops red raised spots, which are known as pimples. And when the tips of these pimples are filled with white pus, they are known as pustules. These usually occur on the face and neck, and less often on other parts of the body.

How to Get Rid of Pustules?

At the Doctor's
The treatment aims at reducing the excess sebum production, getting rid of bacterial infection, and dealing with the inflammation. It also serves to speed up the skin cell turnover. For mild cases, over-the-counter acne lotions are helpful. The active ingredients of these medications include benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid or lactic acid. They help in reducing the sebum production by drying up the oil, eliminating bacteria and causing dead skin cells to shed faster.

These products are, however, good for treating mild pustules. If the problem is a severe one, then prescription-strength medications may be required. For this, you may have to pay a visit to the dermatologist. These medications help in treating large and tiny face pustules by preventing the blockage of the hair follicles. The doctor may also suggest the use of topical antibiotic medicines, to get rid of any bacterial infection. Other methods include use oral contraceptives (for women), and laser and light therapy.

At Home
Apart from using the medications prescribed by the dermatologist, there are certain measures which when followed at home, can control and prevent the development of pustules. They have been listed as follows:

• You must be careful with washing your face, when you are suffering from pustules. Avoid using facial scrubs, masks, and other cosmetic products. These substances tend to irritate the skin thus, worsening the condition further. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and clean water.
• Pat dry the skin after having washed it, and then apply the OTC lotion.
• Use products for the skin that are water-based, and not oily or greasy. That means you would have to do away with oily sunscreens, cosmetics, etc. Exposure to the sun can worsen the pustules. So stay out of it as much as possible, and use a sunscreen that does not clog the pores, if you have to go out in the sun.
• While you are recovering from pustules, it is wise if you keep it from being touched by your hands, phone receivers, and the like. This reduces the risks of infection.
• If you wear hat or cap most of the time of the day, ensure that you wear a clean one everyday. Sweat may team up with oils and dirt and aggravate the problem.
• And one of the most important points to be kept in mind while dealing with pustules is never to squeeze or pick on them. As I said, avoiding anything touching the affected area.

The condition of pustules may be a little stubborn compared to other types of acne, as they are filled with pus and carry the risk of infection. Just keep your skin clean, use the recommended medicines, and follow a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables.