Pustules: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Pustules?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin problems, treats pustules, which are small, pus-filled sores on the skin. Any health care provider can check them first. A dermatologist is the specialist when the problem spreads or does not clear. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are pustules?
Pustules are small, inflamed (red and swollen), pus-filled sores on the surface of the skin. They are common in people with acne or folliculitis, which is inflammation of the hair follicle (the tiny pocket a hair grows from). In acne, a pustule is a small red bump that holds white or yellow pus.
Symptoms
A pustule looks like a small bump filled with pus, and the skin around it is often red. Pustules can appear anywhere on the body. They are most often seen on the:
- Back
- Face
- Chest, over the breastbone
- Shoulders
- Sweaty areas, such as the groin or armpit
With folliculitis, small pustules form in hair-bearing areas, with redness and swelling around the hair follicles.
Causes and who gets it
Pustules may be a sign of an infection. In some cases, they are not caused by infection. They are linked to skin inflammation or to taking certain medicines.
Acne starts when pores, the tiny holes in the skin, become clogged with oil and skin cells. If bacteria get trapped in the plug, the immune system may react and cause pimples. Hormone changes, greasy cosmetic or hair products, certain medicines, and heavy sweating can trigger acne.
Folliculitis is most often caused by a bacterial infection of the hair follicle. The germ behind the most common type is usually Staphylococcus aureus, also called staph. Fungi and viruses can also cause it, and some cases are not caused by infection. Contaminated water from a pool or hot tub that was not treated well can cause one type, called hot tub folliculitis. You are more likely to get folliculitis if you have diabetes or obesity, have taken antibiotics by mouth for a long time, have a weak immune system, or shave often.
How doctors diagnose it
Pustules should be checked by a health care provider. The provider may test a sample, called a culture, for bacteria or fungus. Folliculitis is usually diagnosed from your history and a skin exam. Most people need no other tests. A skin biopsy, where a small piece of skin is looked at under a microscope, is usually needed to confirm one rare type. A provider can diagnose acne by looking at your skin, and testing is not needed in most cases.
Treatment
For acne pustules, clean your skin gently with a mild, nondrying soap. Try not to aggressively squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. This can lead to skin infections, slower healing, and scarring. Acne medicines you put on the skin and buy without a prescription may help. Use them sparingly and follow the directions. They may cause redness, drying, or peeling of the skin. If pimples are still a problem, a provider can prescribe stronger medicines.
Mild staph folliculitis with only a few pustules often clears up on its own within a few days. For wider cases, antibiotic cream can be an option. Antibiotic pills are options if the folliculitis is deeper, covers more skin, or does not respond to the cream. Simple cases of gram-negative folliculitis, the kind linked to hot tubs, generally clear on their own after 7 to 10 days with good skin hygiene. Fungal folliculitis is often treated with antifungal pills. Warm compresses on the area several times a day may help. Do not scratch or shave the area.
When to see a doctor
Pustules should be checked by a health care provider. Contact a provider if self-care and store-bought medicine do not help after several months. Also call if your acne is very bad, is getting worse, or leaves scars. See a dermatologist if folliculitis is widespread, does not clear on its own, or does not clear after treatment. Folliculitis can sometimes turn into a deeper skin infection, such as cellulitis or an abscess (a pocket of pus).
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can check new pustules, look for a cause such as acne or folliculitis, and refer you to a dermatologist if they spread or do not clear.
Common questions
Are pustules the same as pimples?
Not always. In acne, a pustule is a pimple that holds white or yellow pus. Pustules can also come from folliculitis or from other skin inflammation.
Should I pop a pustule?
No, try not to aggressively squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub pimples. Doing so can lead to skin infections, slower healing, and scarring.
Do pustules mean I have an infection?
Sometimes, because pustules may be a sign of an infection. In some cases, they are not infectious and are linked to skin inflammation or certain medicines. A health care provider can check them and may test a sample for bacteria or fungus.
Can pustules go away on their own?
Sometimes they can. Mild staph folliculitis with only a few pustules often clears up on its own within a few days. Pustules that spread or do not clear should be seen by a provider.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
