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Pustules are small, inflamed, pus-filled, blister-like lesions on the skin surface and are common in acne. They may occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly in the usual acne areas (face, shoulders, back, and over the breastbone), and in areas of increased sweating such as the groin and armpit.
Basically they are blockages of the pores and sebaceous glands that have become inflamed. The sebaceous glands are generally found in areas where the hair is located, but also in some hairless areas of the body as well, except for the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
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Sebaceous glands produce sebum, a fatty based oil that moisturizes the skin and hair. Without sebum, hair would be brittle and thin while skin would be leathery and dry. Sebum allows skin to maintain its suppleness and resistance to water.
When the sebaceous glands are excited and produce excessive sebum, it floods the follicle and a portion may harden into a plug. Skin-based bacteria called P. Acnes, which are a natural part of the environment, combined with dead skin cells and dirt may join together and infect the area of the follicle underneath the plug.
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Cystic Acne
