Yes, for small pimples, it's generally best to leave pus alone as your body will reabsorb it, preventing scarring and further infection; however, if the pus is from a larger boil or infected wound with spreading redness, warmth, severe pain, or fever, you should see a doctor because it signals a deeper infection that needs medical attention.
An abscess is a pocket of pus inside the body. An abscess can form as the body fights an infection caused by some types of germs. Germ-fighting medicines called antibiotics may be enough to treat small abscesses. Larger abscesses may need to be drained in order to heal.
“As tempting as it is to pop a pimple, specifically those little whiteheads or pustules, you don't need to,” says Dr. Nazarian. “In fact, your body is more than equipped to take care of them on its own, but of course, that takes time.”
When bacteria get into a cut, the body's immune system sends white blood cells to fight the infection. It's these white blood cells that can collect and make pus. If pus collects and can't drain out, the area forms a painful abscess.
Your body can gradually break down pus and reabsorb its components. That's why small accumulations of pus (like in a pimple) often don't need treatment. But pus may need treatment if any of the following are true: If you have pus because of an infection (which can spread and cause dangerous complications like sepsis)
Bacterial infection plays a significant role in the formation of pus and can contribute to recurring pus in pimples. The presence of bacteria, particularly Propionibacterium acnes, can lead to ongoing inflammation and the refilling of the pimple with pus.
When you use your fingers, you risk pushing the infection deeper, leading to more inflammation, scarring, and even rupturing beneath the skin. Dermatologists use specialized tools because they apply even pressure, making extractions safer and more effective. If you do use a tool, be gentle!
Purulent (pronounced “PYUR-uh-luhnt”) drainage (pus or exudate) is a symptom of infection. This thick, milky fluid oozes from a wound that isn't healing properly. It contains a mixture of dead cells and bacteria, as well as white blood cells, which rush to the site at the first sign of injury.
You may be tempted to pop this unwanted guest, but it's not a good idea. Contrary to what pimple popping videos may show, squeezing your skin to extract the contents of a pimple — a mixture of oil, dead skin and bacteria — can cause scarring and infection.
Because popping isn't the way to go, patience is the key. Your pimple will disappear on its own, and by leaving it alone you're less likely to be left with any reminders that it was there. To dry a pimple up faster, apply 5% benzoyl peroxide gel or cream once or twice a day.
Apply gentle pressure to encourage the pus to drain out. Once the pus has been drained, use a clean gauze pad to gently clean the area. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the abscess with a clean bandage. Change the bandage regularly, and continue to clean the area with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
Color transitions.
Normal wound drainage is pale or has a slight hue. Purulent drainage is milky and thick. If the pus appears green, yellow, or brown, it indicates a progression of the infection.
Mild infections of small, shallow wounds can heal on their own, particularly in healthy people. Sometimes, wound infections can spread and cause serious problems. This is more likely with large wounds, deep wounds, and surgical wounds, and in people who are more vulnerable to infection.
This is the process of the abscess draining itself. This may look like an infection. But if the pus doesn't smell and is not yellow or green in color, you should have nothing to worry about. A healing abscess will produce clear or pink fluid.
Untreated infections can spread to surrounding tissues in your body. This can cause serious complications including sepsis and necrotizing fasciitis, which can lead to death. The outlook for internal abscesses depends on the location and treatment.
Over time, the inflammation subsides, and the pimple either comes to a head and drains on its own or is reabsorbed by the body.
Once you can see pus at the surface of the abscess, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. You can then apply gentle, manual pressure to drain the pus. Be sure to keep the area clean afterward. Use specialized dressings.
Most abscesses do not need antibiotics: drainage of the pus is sufficient. However, antibiotics are sometimes required. Antibiotics will usually be required if you have an artificial heart valve or some other heart conditions or if you have an artificial joint.
Signs and symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa
These bumps come and go, and at times become red and drain pus, a yellow-white liquid. Sometimes the bumps also itch or burn. In severe cases, multiple bumps connect with one another and form narrow channels under the skin called sinus tracts.
This means that some mild signs are expected while the wound heals:
Any licensed esthetician will highly advise against doing your own extractions at home. First of all, it takes professional training to tell which blackheads are actually extractable and which ones to stay away from. Picking at the wrong kind of blackhead could cause infection, scarring and make it look even worse.
Previously Popped Pimple
If you squeezed a whitehead, but it wasn't fully removed, it can become inflamed again. It's also possible for another pimple to appear next to it because the area got irritated and exposed to bacteria.