Purple pimples on face

The pimples on the face are of different colors and types. The most common ones are blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. We can easily judge the nature of ordinary acne from its color. However, the appearance of some acne is not easy to judge, such as purple acne. Purple acne on the face may be caused by folliculitis. Purple is pustules, and a comprehensive judgment can be made based on the specific characteristics.

Folliculitis is a purulent inflammation caused by bacterial infection of the entire hair follicle. Initially it appears as red papules, which gradually evolve into papular pustules, which are isolated and scattered, and cause mild pain. In adults, it mainly occurs in hairy areas, and in children, it is more common on the head. The rashes can sometimes merge with each other, and small bald spots may remain after healing.

Causes

The pathogens are mainly Staphylococci, and Staphylococcus epidermidis can sometimes be isolated. Uncleanliness, scratching and low body resistance may be the causes of this disease.

Clinical manifestations

It initially appears as a red, solid papule consistent with the opening of the hair follicle, or it starts with follicular impetigo, and then rapidly develops into a papule-pustule, with the hair running through the middle and redness and inflammation all around, followed by drying and scabbing. It heals after about a week of scab falling off, but there are also cases of recurrence and no healing for many years. Some may also develop into deep infection, forming furuncles, carbuncles, etc., which generally do not leave scars. The number of rashes is large, isolated and scattered, and the patient feels mild pain. In adults, it mainly occurs in hairy areas, and in children, it is more common on the head. The rashes can sometimes merge with each other, and small bald spots may remain after healing.

If the entire hair follicle is inflamed, that is, from the beginning of the hair follicle, the dermis to the end of the hair follicle, both parts are inflamed, this inflammation is a staphylococcal infection and is called simple folliculitis. It manifests as a small red hard nodule that is painful to the touch. It often occurs on the face and can heal in about a week, leaving a slight scar. However, if Staphylococcus aureus not only infects the hair follicles, but also the tissues around the hair follicles, the sebaceous glands, and some sweat glands, the entire surrounding tissue will become inflamed, and this can be called a furuncle.

This type of furuncle has a relatively large range of inflammation, and the clinical manifestations are red hard nodules that are relatively large and very tender. After about 2 to 3 days, the center of the nodule may necrotize and form some small abscesses. Pus, pus plugs and necrotic tissue can be discharged after rupture. The swelling subsides and the scab heals after about 1 to 2 weeks. Patients often have fever and swollen nearby lymph nodes. Some individuals may develop sepsis. Furuncles are prone to occur on the face, neck, buttocks and arms. Because the nostrils and the upper lip have blood vessels that are connected to the blood vessels in the brain, especially the area between the corners of the nose and the upper lip, which is called the dangerous triangle. If boils occur in these places and rupture, they can easily spread through the bloodstream and cause intracranial infection, which can even lead to death in severe cases.

treat

Antibiotics can be used as appropriate. 1% neomycin ointment, mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid ointment or 2% iodine tincture can be applied topically. Ultraviolet radiation can also be tried. For patients with recurrent attacks, autologous vaccine or polyvalent staphylococcal vaccine can be tried.