What Are the Common Causes of Pus in Blisters?

Impetigo

Brief introduction of pustular rash

Impetigo is a common skin bacterial infection. Hot summer is the most common time for impetigo, especially in children. When the bacteria only exist on the surface of the skin, when the lesion penetrates deeper and comes into contact with the dermis, it is called a sore (ecthyma). Pustules occur on the scalp, face, and diapers. They can be classified as blisters or crusts.

Crust type is more common, accounting for about 70%. It is caused by Staphylococcus aureus or type A streptococcus. The lesion is a piece of crusts protruding from one to two centimeters, covered with a thick honey-like exudate. The blister type is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which is characterized by yellow pus precipitation in the center of the blister. Although the appearance is scary, patients often only have a slight itching sensation, and adjacent lymph glands are swollen. However, in severe cases, fever and white blood cell hyperplasia may occur.

Causes of pustules

Pustules can be primary, but only scratched due to minor wounds on the skin surface, such as abrasions or itching, causing Staphylococcus aureus in the environment or originally hidden in the nasal cavity and throat to breed on the skin surface. In another case, eczema, scabies, chicken pox, mosquito bites, head lice, or ulcers are already present, and bacteria can attach to them and cause inflammation. This is called secondary purulent rash. Pustules are infected by skin contact and air, and bacterial droplets can spread up to three meters away.

Purulent rash treatment

If there are only one or two lesions during treatment, just apply the topical antibiotic ointment, but do not forget to apply it to the nasal cavity at the same time. Sometimes even without treatment, the pus may be cured on its own through two to eight weeks through its own immunity. However, local skin atrophy, uneven pigmentation, or hair loss may remain.

If it spreads due to itching, it is necessary to combine oral antibiotics for seven to ten days for effective treatment. Cellulitis is the most common complication, which can be as high as 10%. Shocks have been reported.

Pustules are highly contagious and can be easily transmitted to other children. Generally, pustules are easy to spread in backward areas, but the incidence of atopic dermatitis is increasing in advanced countries. Therefore, it is not uncommon to have secondary pustules in Taiwan. The treatment of pustular rash is not difficult. Most oral antibiotics are effective, but drug resistant bacteria are gradually emerging. Fucidin and Bactroban are the most commonly used for external use. In addition to antibiotics, daily iodine and disinfection potions are also effective. However, prevention is better than cure. Clean the skin and avoid scratching the skin is the fundamental way.