Almost every person has encountered acne in their life, especially during adolescence, when serious hormonal changes occur in the body. Most often, we fight such formations with the most ordinary squeezing, not knowing whether it is possible to squeeze out purulent pimples. In fact, getting rid of them should be comprehensive and include not only mechanical intervention, but also the use of special medications. Therefore, let’s consider what types of acne exist and whether it is possible or necessary to squeeze them out at all.
Common causes of purulent wounds on the legs
Any damage to the skin is accompanied by the addition of an infection, since at the moment the integrity of the skin is damaged, dirt and microbes enter it. However, it should be noted that not every wound festeres. What is this connected with?
It is worth noting several reasons that provoke the development of a purulent wound:
- Decrease in the body's defenses. In this case, the immune system is not able to cope with the aggression of pathogenic and opportunistic microflora;
- Poor nutrition . If the body does not have enough vitamins and minerals, then the functioning of all organs and systems, including the immune system, is disrupted;
- Failure to comply with hygiene leads to the accumulation of a large number of bacteria on the skin, and if its integrity is violated, they end up in an open wound;
- Work in a polluted environment (basements, sewer mines, etc.). In this case, any open wound is subject to severe contamination, and a damp and dirty environment is favorable for the reproduction and activity of microorganisms;
- Hormonal disorders . In people diagnosed with diabetes, a clean wound festeres much more often than in a healthy person. Moreover, treatment of a purulent wound in such patients is very difficult and lengthy;
- Warm seasons (summer, spring, early autumn). That is why all planned surgical interventions are not performed at this time;
- Older people are more likely to have a purulent process than younger people. Which is associated with changes in metabolic processes in the body, as well as changes in hormonal levels.
Why do ulcers appear?
Often the causes of purulent acne lie in non-compliance with personal hygiene rules. If care is incorrect, sebum is not completely removed from the skin. As a result, the pores become clogged. The subcutaneous cavity is an excellent environment for the development of bacteria. Therefore, when microorganisms spread, ulcers appear.
People who squeeze out pimples suffer from this problem. Any such impact can lead to the development of a severe inflammatory process. Even if the wound has healed and not started to fester, there is a high probability of a scar. If not completely squeezed out, the pus can spread into healthy cells. Then severe acne forms.
Improper diet and consumption of harmful foods affect the appearance of acne. This lifestyle negatively affects the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Problems immediately appear on the skin.
Purulent acne is the result of hormonal imbalance. You can encounter this during periods:
- adolescents growing up;
- pregnancy;
- breastfeeding;
- menopause;
- menses.
Rashes can be found on the back, chest, and face.
A person can spread germs by frequently touching their face with dirty hands. The situation is aggravated when low-quality cosmetics are used and other people’s personal hygiene products are used.
When squeezing pimples in the subcutaneous layers, an inflammatory process may develop and pus may accumulate.
Pustular formations appear in stressful situations, with severe excitement. In this case, the body becomes especially susceptible to disease. Bacteria begin to negatively affect it.
Purulent acne can be caused by hyperkeratosis. During its development, cells begin to divide especially quickly. The skin begins to become horny and peel off. There is an accumulation of sebum in the pores, which, together with dead cells, creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Penetrating into the subcutaneous layers, they provoke an inflammatory process and the formation of pus. Hyperkeratosis is caused by a lack or excess of vitamins and disruption of the circulatory system.
People taking antibiotics and steroid drugs especially often face the problem. In this case, medicinal acne develops.
Regardless of what caused the rash, treatment should be prescribed as early as possible. Otherwise, the infection may spread throughout the circulatory system.
Preparations for the treatment of festering wounds
Treatment of purulent wounds on the legs is complex. It is aimed at cleansing the wound, destroying microorganisms inhabiting the damaged surface, strengthening defenses and healing.
Antiseptic agents are used for cleansing. They are used for every treatment and dressing. They prevent contamination and the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria. They are used to wash and irrigate the damaged surface, as well as treat surrounding tissues.
Antiseptic agents that are used during the inflammation phase of a purulent wound: Hydrogen peroxide, Chlorhexidine, Iodpirone, Diamond green (brilliant), Iodine, Miramistin.
Antibacterial therapy is of two types:
- Local: ointments, solutions with antibiotics;
- Systemic, that is, the use of antibacterial drugs in the form of tablets and injections.
Local antibiotic therapy is carried out to localize and cure the infectious process.
The following antibacterial agents are widely used in modern surgery:
- Dioxidin solution, which has a bactericidal effect on microorganisms;
- Dimexide solution helps relieve inflammation and has a complex effect on the damaged surface;
- Levosin, Levomekol, Baneocin are water-soluble ointments that can be used in treatment during inflammation and suppuration. They are well absorbed and act on bacteria;
- Tetracycline, Methyluracil, Streptocide ointments, as well as liniment according to Vishnevsky, have a fatty base that can create a plug, making it difficult to separate the pus. That is why they are not used during an active inflammatory process. But during the healing period they can be used.
Systemic antibacterial therapy is not prescribed to everyone, since microorganisms quickly adapt to the drugs.
Systemic therapy is indicated in the following cases:
- The spread of infection throughout the body – sepsis;
- General hyperthermia (increased body temperature) that lasts more than 3 days;
- Increased discharge of pus;
- The redness becomes more intense and severe pain occurs at the site of injury. This indicates the spread of inflammation to nearby tissues.
A purulent wound on the leg can be treated using the following groups of antibiotics:
- Penicillins. Recently, semi-synthetic drugs have been used. Ampicillin, Ampiox are broad-spectrum drugs. They are available for both parenteral (injection) and enteral (capsules, tablets) administration;
- Tetracyclines (Doxycycline) are broad-spectrum antibiotics;
- Aminoglycosides: Gentamicin, Amikacin, Isepamycin.
Antibiotics for purulent wounds on the leg should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor, since their uncontrolled use contributes to the formation of resistant forms of bacteria.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) will also help relieve inflammation. They can be in the form of tablets or injectable solutions.
Prominent representatives of anti-inflammatory drugs are Ortofen, Diclofenac, Nurofen, Ibuprofen.
Possibility of squeezing out comedones
All pimples that occur without the appearance of an inflammatory process are called comedones. In this case, they are divided into 2 groups:
- open comedones;
- closed comedones.
When wondering whether it is possible to squeeze out pimples that look like open comedones, it is worth paying attention to the fact that visually they look like small dark dots, which are most often 1-2 mm in size. Their color can be either black or light yellow. This parameter depends on the age of education.
Squeezing out comedones is quite simple and this process can be done, but subject to all basic rules, primarily hygiene. If you do not adhere to all the rules of hygiene, then an infection can enter the comedone, which leads to the appearance of an inflammatory process. In such cases, pus occurs, and such pimples should no longer be squeezed. In this situation, it is advisable to resort to cosmetic facial cleansing.
Closed comedones are otherwise called milia and visually have the appearance of small tubercles. Such pimples are not always noticeable externally, but if you feel the skin with your fingers, you can feel the lumps. In the case of the formation of a huge number of closed comedones, a person’s face takes on the appearance of a grater.
At the same time, squeezing them out is strictly prohibited. Due to the fact that milia very often combine with other formations, it often occurs that pus begins to appear under the skin. Therefore, squeezing out a purulent pimple of this kind is not recommended, as this leads to the spread of infection throughout the body. Such a procedure can only be performed by a highly qualified cosmetologist using special equipment and medications.
Folk remedies
Many microbes have become less sensitive to medications. That is why folk recipes are used. Tinctures, infusions, decoctions and plant juices will help cure a purulent wound or alleviate the patient’s condition.
Folk remedies are usually used to treat small wounds. In any case, before using any recipe, you should consult a specialist to avoid the development of various complications, including allergic reactions.
To wash the festering lesion, it is necessary to prepare a decoction of a medicinal plant such as chamomile. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, wound healing properties. To prepare the decoction, you need 2 tablespoons of dry chamomile or 2 filter bags (sold at the pharmacy) and 200 milliliters of boiling water. Infuse the decoction and strain it. The wound cavity is washed generously with this solution; to do this, it must be drawn into a disposable medical syringe.
Aloe pulp and juice help remove purulent contents from the wound. To prepare a medicine from this plant, you need to pick a leaf that is free of any damage or stains. Rinse it well.
There are 3 ways to use aloe:
- The easiest way is to use the entire leaf. It must be cut lengthwise, applied to the wound and bandaged;
- Aloe pulp, to make it, you need to peel the leaf and grind its pulp. The paste is applied to the problem area and secured with a bandage;
- The juice of this plant is used to soak a gauze pad, which is applied to the suppurating surface.
It is recommended to change aloe dressings every 3 hours.
Onions and garlic have antiseptic properties. They are also used for medicinal purposes.
Onion gruel is prepared in two ways:
- Grate fresh onion on a fine grater, apply the resulting mass to the damage. Garlic pulp is prepared in the same way;
- Boil the onion in milk, cool slightly and grind into a paste. It is applied in a similar way.
Burdock and plantain juice are used to treat the cavity; they help cleanse the wound.
If the wound is located on the fingers and foot, then foot baths with chamomile, saline (ratio of salt and water - 1:10) and soda (ratio of soda and water - 2:10) solution are effective. They draw out the pus, thereby cleaning the wound.
Complications of purulent wounds
If untimely and improper treatment is used, the inflammatory process can become more complicated. In this case, the patient's condition deteriorates sharply.
There are several serious complications of purulent wounds:
- Lymphadenitis is inflammation of the lymph nodes located near the site of injury. In this case, they increase in size and hurt;
- Lymphangitis is the transition of the inflammatory process to the lymphatic vessels. Red stripes are visualized on the skin, which are located along these vessels. There is pain and increased body temperature;
- Purulent wounds on the legs are often complicated by thrombophlebitis. This is inflammation of blood vessels and the formation of blood clots in their lumen. Painful bumps form on the leg, and redness is detected along the blood vessel;
- Sepsis is a general blood infection. In this case, the infection from the wound site penetrates the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body. Symptoms of intoxication and damage to internal organs are observed.
Types of acne
If we consider the structure of such a formation as a pimple, then first of all they must be divided into acne of an inflammatory nature and acne in which the inflammatory process does not progress. When considering a group of acne with inflammation, it is worth paying attention to the fact that visually they are quite large in size with redness of the skin, and the presence of pus inside can be seen through their surface.
If you touch such a pimple, the person will experience unpleasant sensations, even pain. Acne, in which no inflammatory process is observed, visually looks like miniature painless seals. Most often, they are formed due to clogging of the pores with fat or epidermal cells that have died.
When to see a doctor
If the patient has an extensive wound, then you should consult a doctor immediately after its appearance. Since this situation requires emergency assistance from specialists who will properly treat the wound, stop the bleeding if necessary and prescribe adequate treatment.
If the wound is small and shallow, you can treat it at home.
However, you should know the situations in which you should consult a doctor:
- Increased purulent discharge from the wound. If the bandage begins to get wet faster or a large volume of pus is visually detected during prolonged treatment, then an immediate consultation with a surgeon is required. In this case, a thorough examination of the wound and adjustment of treatment is necessary;
- Increased or onset of pain . They are usually pulsating in nature;
- Long-term non-healing damage – when no tendency to healing is visible within 7 days;
- Severe swelling and redness in the wound area;
- General hyperthermia, that is, an increase in body temperature. This may be a signal of the spread of infection.
A dream in which you squeeze pimples
It often happens that in one’s own dream a person sees himself squeezing out his own pimples. A dream in which such formations are huge in size and have purulent contents, especially if you crushed them, cannot bode well for anything pleasant. If you dream that the pimples are small and there are few of them, then squeezing them out according to the meanings of the dream book indicates that some kind of surprise awaits you very soon.
Very often, a dream in which you see a purulent pimple may indicate that an ill-wisher or an envious person has appeared in your environment who will try in every possible way to spoil your reputation. Such a dream can even lead to the fact that in real life you will encounter serious problems, so you need to try to find an ill-wisher and stop further communication with him.
If you dreamed that you were squeezing out a pimple on the face of a stranger, then this will in any case indicate that very soon you will have an enemy or you will be faced with big problems, the solution of which is not as easy as you think. Sometimes such a dream can have several meanings. In one of them, he indicates the emergence of problems or an enemy. In another case, it may signal that some changes are about to happen in your life for which you are not yet ready.
Prevention of wound infection
Since any wound can fester, certain rules should be followed to avoid this. Otherwise, infection cannot be avoided.
Preventive actions:
- Adhere to basic rules of personal hygiene. If they are not followed, any disease may occur, which leads to weakened immunity;
- If the skin on the legs is injured, then special attention should be paid to their cleanliness to prevent the penetration of microbes into the wound;
- If any herbs occur, you should consult a doctor for advice;
- Nutrition should be complete and varied . The intake of certain vitamins and nutrients helps strengthen the body;
- Treatment of chronic foci of infection (carious teeth, sinusitis, and so on);
- Adequate night sleep and daytime rest.