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What Is the Connection between Pus and Infection?

Kay Paddock
Kay Paddock

Pus and infection are generally present at the same time because pus is created as the body tries to fight the bacteria causing the infection. When the body's systems recognize an infection, large numbers of white blood cells are produced to fight it. One type of white blood cell called neutrophils leaves the blood and attacks bacteria in the wound itself. As both neutrophils and bacteria die, they combine with dead skin cells to form the pus that is usually found in an infected wound.

When pus is visible inside a wound or draining from it, that is a sign that 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 found in pus. Neutrophils are also one of the main reasons for swelling after an injury — they are pumped into the area to start fighting bacteria right away.

Pus cells trapped under the skin are generally referred to as a pimple.
Pus cells trapped under the skin are generally referred to as a pimple.

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 the bacteria that clogged the pores. This creates the pus that is usually visible under the skin as a whitehead. The infection may be minor, but the same neutrophils causing the whitehead would also fight bacteria in a large wound, such as a cut or burn.

Washing with soap and water is an important part of preventing infection.
Washing with soap and water is an important part of preventing infection.

A risk of infection is present anytime the skin is broken. Generally, larger and more severe wounds have a higher risk of pus and infection because they take longer to heal than smaller ones. Even a tiny break in the skin can leave a person open to infection if the right bacteria get in. Human skin is covered in millions of bacteria, but most of them present no danger. Some, however, such as different types of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, are prone to causing bacterial infections.

Whiteheads are a form of acne caused by the buildup of pus resulting from inflammation.
Whiteheads are a form of acne caused by the buildup of pus resulting from inflammation.

Typically, pus is thick and may have an unpleasant odor. The color of pus is usually white to yellowish-white, though in some cases, it can appear slightly green or dark. Pus cells trapped under the skin are generally referred to as a pimple or a boil. When the skin is opened, the pus can be drained out to help promote healing. Some wounds will drain on their own, while some need to be opened to be cleaned and treated.

Thoroughly cleansing the face with a facial wash may help treat pus in pimples.
Thoroughly cleansing the face with a facial wash may help treat pus in pimples.

People who have pus and infection present should take care to keep the area clean to avoid spreading the bacteria. Minor infections such as pimples or tiny cuts can generally be treated at home. Washing with soap and water, and using such treatments as alcohol or antibiotic ointment can help kill bacteria and speed healing. In the case that pus and infection does not heal quickly or that a wound is large and creates a lot of pus, a doctor's treatment is warranted. A doctor can help keep the bacteria from spreading into the bloodstream where it can become a much more serious condition.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

@burcinc-- I heard that when medicine wasn't so advanced, doctors used to tell types of infections by looking at the color and smell of pus.

No one wants pus on their body because it's gross. But I think it's kind of cool because it's like a red flag that something has gone wrong. How else would we know that we have an infection?

burcinc

@ddljohn-- Pus usually isn't clear. If you are seeing a clear fluid in an abscess or blister, it's probably serum. Serum is a beneficial substance that our body produces to protect a wound and help it heal. Pus is something completely different.

Pus is a thicker substance and it's never clear. It might be off-white or yellow. The darker the color of pus, the more serious the infection. So green colored pus is quite serious.

It's actually macrophages that give pus its color. Our immune system produces macrophages to fight an infection. As the macrophages fight bacteria, pus is created and takes on a yellowish, greenish tint.

ddljohn

Is clear pus also a sign of infection?

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    • Pus cells trapped under the skin are generally referred to as a pimple.
      By: F.C.G.
      Pus cells trapped under the skin are generally referred to as a pimple.
    • Washing with soap and water is an important part of preventing infection.
      By: xy
      Washing with soap and water is an important part of preventing infection.
    • Whiteheads are a form of acne caused by the buildup of pus resulting from inflammation.
      By: F.C.G.
      Whiteheads are a form of acne caused by the buildup of pus resulting from inflammation.
    • Thoroughly cleansing the face with a facial wash may help treat pus in pimples.
      By: ipag
      Thoroughly cleansing the face with a facial wash may help treat pus in pimples.
    • Dark pus may signify that a pimple has become infected.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Dark pus may signify that a pimple has become infected.