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Causes of Pustular Acne and How to Treat It

Author: Nulook Expertise

19/11/2024

Pustular acne can be one of the most frustrating skin problems. The causes of pustular acne can vary, from bacterial infections to hormonal factors. This type of acne is characterized by red bumps filled with pus, which can make your skin feel painful and inflamed. Ignoring this issue without proper treatment can worsen your skin condition and even leave scars that are difficult to remove.

To prevent this from happening, understanding the causes of pustular acne and the effective steps to treat it is key to keeping your skin clear and healthy. This article will discuss in detail the common causes of pustular acne and the best solutions you can take.

What is Pustular Acne?

Pustular acne is a type of acne that appears as small bumps filled with pus in the center. The pus is formed due to an infection or inflammation inside clogged pores. Pustular acne typically has a red base and is often painful when touched.

This type of acne most commonly appears on the face, back, chest, and other areas of the body that have a high concentration of sebaceous glands. Pustular acne is different from blackheads or regular pimples because it involves more severe inflammation and requires more specific treatment.

7 Causes of Pustular Acne

Pustular acne can be caused by several factors that affect skin condition. Here are the seven main causes that often trigger pustular acne:

1. Clogged Pores from Oil and Dead Skin Cells

The most common cause of pustular acne is the clogging of skin pores by a buildup of oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. The skin naturally produces sebum to keep it moisturized, but excessive production can become problematic. When excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, the pores become clogged.

This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, triggering an infection and inflammation that eventually develops into pustules. Additionally, using skincare products that are not suitable for your skin type can worsen this pore-clogging issue.

2. Bacterial Infection

Acne-causing bacteria, such as Propionibacterium acnes or Cutibacterium acnes, are often involved in the process of pustular acne formation. When these bacteria enter clogged pores, the body responds by sending white blood cells to fight the infection.

This process leads to the formation of pus inside the pustule. These bacteria thrive in moist, oily environments, which is why maintaining good skin hygiene is essential in preventing pustular acne.

3. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes in the body, especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or the use of certain medications like birth control pills, can lead to increased oil production in the skin.

These hormonal changes can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, which then causes clogged pores and the formation of pustular acne. This is why many teenagers and pregnant women often experience acne issues.

4. Genetic Factors

Genetics also play a role in determining whether someone is prone to pustular acne. If you have family members, such as parents or siblings, who have struggled with acne, you are more likely to develop pustular acne as well. Genetics can influence the size and activity of sebaceous glands in the skin, which ultimately contributes to excess sebum production and acne formation.

5. Use of Incorrect Cosmetic Products

Using skincare or cosmetic products that are not suitable for your skin type can also contribute to pustular acne. Products that contain comedogenic ingredients or oils can clog pores and trigger acne. Furthermore, the habit of using heavy products or failing to properly remove makeup can worsen the condition of your skin and increase the risk of pustular acne.

6. Excessive Stress

Chronic stress can affect the hormonal balance in the body, including the hormones that regulate oil production in the skin. When you experience stress, your body releases cortisol, which can increase oil production, making the pores more susceptible to clogging and causing pustular acne. Additionally, stress can weaken the immune system, making the skin more vulnerable to bacterial infections.

7. Unhealthy Diet

A diet high in sugar, processed foods, and dairy products is known to worsen skin conditions and trigger pustular acne. These foods can increase insulin levels in the blood, which in turn stimulates increased oil production in the skin. Additionally, unhealthy foods often lead to inflammation in the body, which can negatively affect overall skin health.

5 Symptoms of Pustular Acne to Watch Out For

Pustular acne has several distinct symptoms and often feels more painful than other types of acne. Here are five symptoms of pustular acne that you should be aware of:

1. Red Bumps with a Pus Center

Pustular acne typically appears as red bumps with a white or yellow pus-filled center. The pus in the center is the result of a bacterial infection and the body's response to inflammation. The pus is formed by white blood cells that are sent by the body to fight the bacteria causing the infection.

2. Pain or Sensitivity

One of the most common symptoms of pustular acne is pain or sensitivity in the skin around the acne. The acne is often tender, especially when touched or subjected to pressure. This pain is caused by the inflammation occurring beneath the skin, and the condition can worsen if pustules are not treated properly.

3. Redness Around the Acne

The inflammation that occurs with pustular acne often causes redness in the skin around the acne area. This redness is a sign that the skin is irritated and infected. This symptom can become more pronounced if the pustular acne continues to grow or become more inflamed.

4. Swelling

Inflamed pustular acne can cause swelling in the skin around the affected area. This swelling is the body's response to infection, where white blood cells gather to fight the bacteria causing the acne. Swelling can make the acne area appear larger and more raised than usual.

5. Scarring

If pustular acne is not treated properly or if you frequently squeeze the pustules, there is a high risk of permanent scarring. Acne scars can appear as hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or even deeper scars in the skin tissue. This is why it is crucial not to squeeze pustular acne, as it can disrupt the healing process and leave marks that affect your appearance.

Treatment for Pustular Acne

There are several treatment methods you can use to address pustular acne:

Topical Treatments: You can use creams or ointments containing active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to help dry out the pustules and reduce inflammation.
Antibiotics: For pustular acne caused by bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to combat the infection and reduce inflammation.
Chemical Peeling with Salicylic Acid: A chemical peeling treatment with salicylic acid can help exfoliate the dead skin layers clogging the pores and reduce inflammation caused by pustular acne.
Facial Treatments: Regular facials at a beauty clinic can help cleanse the pores and prevent the development of pustular acne.

Preventing Pustular Acne

Prevention is better than cure when it comes to pustular acne. Here are some prevention steps you can take:

Maintain Skin Cleanliness: Regularly wash your face with a cleanser suitable for your skin type to prevent clogged pores that cause pustular acne.
Avoid Oily Cosmetics: Be sure to choose skincare products and cosmetics that are oil-free and non-comedogenic to avoid clogging your pores.
Manage Stress: Engage in relaxation activities such as yoga or meditation to help reduce stress, which plays a role in triggering pustular acne.
Watch Your Diet: Avoid foods high in sugar and processed products to help keep your skin healthy and free from pustular acne.
Regular Beauty Consultations: Regular treatments at a beauty clinic can help prevent pustular acne while maintaining your skin's health.

Pustular acne can be caused by a variety of factors, including clogged pores, bacterial infection, hormonal changes, and unhealthy eating habits. To treat it, you can try various methods, such as using topical products, antibiotics, or undergoing treatments at a beauty clinic. Prevention is also crucial, from maintaining good skin hygiene to managing stress.

Eradicate Acne from the Root with NuLook Peeling and Facial Treatments

Treating pustular acne requires specialized care that is suited to your skin’s condition. At NuLook Clinic, we offer effective salicylic acid chemical peeling treatments that cleanse pores and reduce inflammation caused by pustular acne. Additionally, our Crystal Clear Facial treatments help improve skin texture and eliminate pustular acne scars using the latest technology from Korea.

Don’t let pustular acne affect your confidence. Visit NuLook Clinic now and schedule a consultation with our expert team to find the best solution for your skin. Contact us here and start your journey to healthy, glowing skin!