Sometimes when you get a small wound or a pimple, you may have noticed that it fills with a white or yellow liquid. We usually call this 'pus'. What exactly is this pus? Is it good or bad for the body? Are there times when you should be afraid? Okay, so let's talk about all this clearly today.
How does this pus actually form?
Simply put, pus is what our body's immune system, the system that protects us from disease, produces when it fights off an invader. Imagine a germ, like a bacterium, enters our body.
Then our immune system is like our own army. It quickly sends special cells, such as white blood cells, to the battlefield, where the germs have entered. These cells are like soldiers in our bodies. They go and fight those invading germs and destroy them.
In this fight, our white blood cells, as well as the body's tissue cells that have been damaged by germs, die. So, these dead cells, dead germs, and fluids from the tissues combine to form the pus that we see. In particular, two types of white blood cells called `(Neutrophils)` and `(Macrophages)` are the main reason why pus is white-yellow in color.
That means pus isn't just a thing, it's good evidence that your body is fighting an infection.
What does the color and smell of pus tell us?
The color and odor of the pus can sometimes give us some clues about the nature of the infection. It is very important to be aware of this.
| The color of the pus | What it could mean |
|---|---|
| Milky white or yellow | This is the most common color. This type of pus can be seen in a common bacterial infection. |
| Pinkish color | This color can occur when a little blood is mixed with pus. This can also happen with some infections. |
| Green | This is something to be careful about. Certain types of bacteria like `(Pseudomonas aeruginosa)` can cause this kind of green pus. In such a situation, you should definitely seek medical advice. |
| Brown color | Pus may turn brown when old blood or dead tissue (necrosis) accumulates. |
When it comes to the smell of pus, sometimes it may not have any smell at all. However, if it has a bad, foul smell , it can also be a sign of a serious infection. In such cases, see a doctor as soon as possible.
What are the main causes of pus formation?
The main and most common cause of pus is bacterial infection . However, pus can also be caused by fungal, parasitic, and some viral infections. Very rarely, pus can form without an infection.
It is called by different names depending on how and where the pus has collected.
- Abscesses: Bumps that form under the skin due to a collection of pus.
- Pimples/Pustules: The white head of a pimple is filled with pus.
- Boils/Carbuncles: Painful, pus-filled bumps that form around hair follicles.
- Hypopyon: A collection of pus in the anterior chamber of the eye.
- Skin infections: Skin diseases like `(Cellulitis)`, `(Impetigo)`.
- Folliculitis: Infection of the hair follicles in the skin.
What are the dos and don'ts at home?
There's no need to panic when you see pus. A small amount of pus, like that from a small pimple, will heal on its own. But there are a few important things you should know.
Things you can do at home
If a small wound is oozing a small amount of pus, keep the area clean. Wash it thoroughly with soap and water, and cover it with a clean bandage. Keep it clean until a scab forms.
Never make these mistakes!
- Do not prick with sharp objects: Never prick a boil with anything like needles or pins. This will only cause more germs to enter the wound and worsen the infection.
- Don't squeeze: It is very dangerous to try to remove pimples by squeezing them. Avoid squeezing pimples or boils, especially those located on the sides of the nose and mouth (the danger triangle of the face) . There is a risk of the infection spreading to the brain from this area.
- Don't take medicine on your own: Not all wounds with pus require ``Antibiotics''. This is because antibiotics only work against bacteria. Also, some creams that you buy from a pharmacy can cause skin allergies. Therefore , be sure to consult your doctor before using any medicine.
When should you see a doctor?
If you have any of the following symptoms along with pus, it could be a sign of a serious infection. In such cases, do not delay and see a doctor immediately. You may need to go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
| Feature to pay attention to | Description |
|---|---|
| Fever | If you have a fever over 101°F (38.3°C) with pus, it could be a sign of a dangerous condition called sepsis, where the infection spreads throughout the body. |
| Warmth around the wound | If the skin around the wound is warmer to the touch than other areas, it is a major sign of infection. |
| Green or smelly pus | These are signs of a serious bacterial infection and require immediate medical attention. |
| The wound does not heal or becomes larger | If the wound does not heal after a few days or if it gets bigger, see a doctor. |
| Severe pain | If there is more unbearable pain than the appearance of the wound. |
| Spread of redness | If the redness around the wound increases or if it moves up like a red streak, it is a sign that the infection is spreading. |
Take-Home Message
- Pus is a sign that your body is fighting an infection. It's not always a bad thing.
- Don't be afraid of a small amount of pus that appears like a small pimple. But don't squeeze or pick at them.
- Pay attention to the color and odor of the pus. Green or foul-smelling pus can be a sign of a serious infection.
- If you have symptoms such as fever, severe pain, and redness around the wound along with pus, do not delay and see a doctor immediately.
- Don't make rash decisions about treating a pus-filled wound. Always seek advice from your doctor.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න