Pus is created as the body fights off bacteria causing an infection. Neutrophils attack bacteria in wounds, dying and forming pus. Pus is a sign of infection and larger wounds have a higher risk. Minor infections can be treated at home, but medical treatment is needed for larger wounds.
Pus and infection are usually present at the same time because pus is created as the body tries to fight off the bacteria causing the infection. When the body’s systems recognize an infection, large numbers of white blood cells are produced to fight it. A type of white blood cell called a neutrophil leaves the blood and attacks the bacteria in the wound itself. When both the neutrophils and the bacteria die, they combine with the dead skin cells to form the pus usually found in an infected wound.
When pus is visible within a wound or draining from it, this is a sign that an infection is present. The body’s immune system is doing its job, sending neutrophils to absorb and ingest the dangerous bacteria. This kills the neutrophils, which die and make up most of the cells in the pus. Neutrophils are also a major reason for swelling after an injury — they’re pumped into the area to start fighting bacteria right away.
The causes of pus and infection in something like a pimple are basically the same things that cause them to appear in large wounds. In the case of small acne pimples, the body is fighting off the bacteria that have clogged the pores. This creates pus which is usually visible under the skin as a white dot. The infection may be minor, but the same neutrophils that cause the white point would also be fighting the bacteria in a large wound, such as a cut or burn.
A risk of infection is present whenever skin is broken. Generally, larger, more severe wounds have a higher risk of pus and infection because they take longer to heal than smaller ones. Even a small break in the skin can leave a person exposed to infection if the right bacteria gets in. Human skin is covered with millions of bacteria, but most of them pose no danger. Some, however, such as different types of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, are prone to causing bacterial infections.
Typically, the pus is thick and may have an unpleasant odor. The color of the pus is usually white to yellowish-white, although it may appear slightly green or dark in some cases. Pus cells trapped under the skin are usually referred to as a pimple or furuncle. When the skin is opened, pus can be drained to promote healing. Some wounds will drain on their own, while others need to be opened to be cleaned and treated.
People who have pus and infections present should be careful to keep the area clean to avoid spreading the bacteria. Minor infections such as pimples or small cuts can usually be treated at home. Washing with soap and water and using treatments such as alcohol or antibiotic ointments can help kill bacteria and speed healing. In case the pus and the infection do not heal quickly or if a wound is large and creating a lot of pus, medical treatment is needed. A doctor can help stop the bacteria from spreading into the bloodstream where it can become a much more serious condition.
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