Papules and pustules are lesions of the skin, which are frequently seen in dermatology and are commonly referred to generically as “pimples”. They can sit anywhere on the body, or almost.

The papules are “elevations” (in relief) of small dimension (diameter less than 1 cm), solid, and not containing liquid. When the lesions are larger, we speak of plaques. Papules can be round, oval, or more irregular in shape and be caused by a variety of skin conditions.

Pustules, on the contrary, contain pus, are white or yellowish in color. They are often of infectious origin, such as, for example, follicular pustules, which correspond to an infection of the pilosebaceous follicle.

Pustules and papules do not have the same causes. The two types of lesions can “coexist”, in particular in the case of acne.

Papules

Many conditions can be associated with papules. The causes are not always easy to identify: they can be insect bites, warts, dermatitis (= inflammation of the skin), infectious diseases such as chickenpox or eczema or reaction allergic. Several systemic diseases can also cause papules. Ditto for lichen planus, a dermatosis whose cause is unknown.

Some allergies that can cause papules include allergies to the following products:

• le latex
• makeup and cosmetics
• clothing dyes
• some plants
• jewelry

Pustules

Pustules, purulent, do not have the same causes as papules. These are most often small infections that may or may not be follicular (around a hair).

They are common in acne, but they can also be sterile (no infection), especially in certain diseases such as so-called pustular psoriasis or Behçet’s disease, an autoimmune disease characterized among other things by mouth ulcers.

Along with their unsightly appearance, papules and pustules are lesions of the skin that can become infected and leave scabs and scars.

It is therefore advisable not to crush them, and to consult a doctor or dermatologist to find the cause and choose an adequate treatment.

The solutions depend on the cause of the lesions.

When the papules are related to an allergy, in particular a contact allergy (in contact with a product), it is recommended to stop exposure to the allergen and to protect the skin. Corticosteroid creams can sometimes soothe the lesions.

In case of acne, several treatments are effective and may be offered depending on the extent of the disease and the nature of the lesions. Against pustules, creams based on salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics may be recommended.

In the case of psoriasis, again, only a consultation with a dermatologist will allow the most suitable treatment to be found. There are many creams and therapies (UVB or PUVA therapy for example) that can reduce lesions.