Pus is a very common condition that happens as a result of an infection.

The following guide explains what it is, its main symptoms, how to treat it, and everything in between.

  1. What is pus?
  • Infections are quite common. Our bodies are designed to react when under attack from one. Pus is precisely that, a reaction of our body when under attack of some infection. It usually is made of thick fluid that has cells, bacteria, and dead tissue cells.
  • It can come in several colors like yellow, brown, green, and white. That mainly depends on the type of infection, as well as from where it is. Sometimes is odorless, while other times it stinks.
  1. Where is it formed?
  • Pus is mainly formed in an abscess which is a space that has come to place as a result of a tissue breakdown. Sometimes the abscess is formed on the skin’s surface and other times inside the body.
  • However, some parts of our body are more exposed to infection than others. Some of the most vulnerable parts are the urinary tract, the mouth, the skin, and the eyes.
  1. Does pus cause any symptoms?

Other symptoms almost regularly follow the infection that is the cause for the pus. For example, a surface abscess may be followed by a red skin around it, as well as streaks of red. That area sometimes is swollen or may be causing you pain.

When it comes to internal abscesses, there aren’t any visible symptoms. However, there might be some flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and chills.

Sometimes pus occurs after surgery. They are known as surgical site infections (SSI). The symptoms can be different and depend on what type of surgery it was, which part of the body was and is still exposed, and under which conditions the surgery took place. Even though that SSI can happen to anyone, several risk factors increase the chances of one. The most notable SSI factors are:

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Long surgical procedure (over two hours)
  • A previous condition that weakened your immune system
  • Obesity  

The main symptoms of a surgical site infection (SSI) are:

  • Warmth around the operated area
  • Redness around the operated area
  • Pus continuously draining from the wound
  1. How to get rid of pus?
  • How you deal with pus depends on how severe the infection is. In case of a smaller abscess presented on the surface of the skin, you can use a warm, wet compress to drain it. You can repeat the process several times a day for five or six minutes.
  • What you don’t want to do is to avoid the urge to squeeze it. That can significantly make things worse as you would be opening a new wound that can cause another infection.
  • In case you are looking to a much bigger, deeper abscess, don’t hesitate to ask for medical assistance. A physician can draw out the pus with a needle, or in some cases even make a tiny incision so that the abscess can be drained. For the biggest one that won’t heal on their own, you will need to use antibiotics.
  1. How to prevent pus?

The truth is that some infections cannot be avoided. At the same time, there are ways to reduce your risk of infection by following a few simple guidelines:

  • Never share razors with anyone.
  • Never share bedding or towels.
  • Always keep your wounds dry and clean.

In case, you already have an infection and an abscess, here are a few tips on how not to spread it to other people:

  • Avoid public swimming pools.
  • Don’t use share gym equipment.
  • Keep your hands clean, especially after being in contact with your abscess.

Conclusion

Pus shouldn’t be the reason for significant concern as it is just how our bodies response to an attack from infections. In most cases, the pus goes away on its own, without the need for treatment or a visit to the doctor. Especially, if it is on the surface of the skin. However, if it persists for more than a couple of days, it’s important to contact your doctor.

What is the fastest way to get rid of pus?

The pus may be drained at home. Soaking a towel in warm water and holding it against the infected pus for 5 minutes will reduce the swelling and open up the pimple or skin abscess for a faster healing process.

How can I get rid of pus naturally?

The salt may help dry out the pus, causing the boil to drain. Dissolve Epsom salt in warm water and soak a compress in it. Apply the compress to the area for 20 minutes at a time. Do this at least three times daily until the boil is gone.

How long does it take for pus to go away?

The wound will take about 1 to 2 weeks to heal, depending on the size of the abscess. Healthy tissue will grow from the bottom and sides of the opening until it seals over.

Should I drain the pus out of an infected wound?

Treatments for pus and wound infection

Pus-filled abscesses often need to be drained in order to heal completely. Your doctor will decide how to do that based on where the abscess is on your body.

What color pus is bad?

Pus is a thick fluid that usually contains white blood cells, deceased tissue and germs (bacteria). The pus may be yellow or green and may have a bad smell.

What happens if pus is not drained?

If a skin abscess is not drained, it may continue to grow and fill with pus until it bursts, which can be painful and can cause the infection to spread or come back.

What is the smell of pus?

Pus is typically an opaque white-yellow color but can be tinted brown or even green. 1 It’s usually odorless although certain types of bacteria produce foul-smelling pus. The medical term for pus is purulent exudate. It is also sometimes called purulent drainage, and the fluid is sometimes referred to as liquor puris.

What causes pus like discharge?

Infections within the lady parts are easily passed to the cervix. Then the tissue of the cervix can become inflamed and form an open sore. One early sign of this is a pus–like vaginal discharge. The symptoms of cervicitis may look like other conditions or health problems.

What discharge is fertile?

Fertile discharge is thin, clear or white, and slippery, much the same as an egg white. This type of discharge signals that ovulation is approaching. Fertile cervical fluid helps sperm move up the cervix to fertilize an egg.

Why is there clear slimy stuff when I wipe?

Clear, Stretchy Discharge: What Does It Mean? Vaginal discharge is fluid that’s naturally released by cells in your lady parts and cervix. It serves as one of your body’s defenses by moving deceased skin cells and bacteria out of the lady parts while also maintaining a healthy pH balance.

What causes yellowish discharge from Vigina?

A yellow or green discharge, especially when it’s thick, chunky, or accompanied by an unpleasant smell, isn’t normal. This type of discharge may be a sign of the infection trichomoniasis. It’s commonly spread through sexual intercourse.

What should I do if I have yellow discharge?

Yellow discharge is often a sign of an infection. You should see a doctor if you have yellow discharge before your period, especially if: the discharge has a strong smell. the discharge is chunky or frothy.

Why does my discharge look yellow on toilet paper?

Yellow — This may be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Some common symptoms of STIs include pelvic or abdominal pain, pain or a burning sensation during urination, increased vaginal discharge, and bleeding between periods.

How long does yellow discharge last?

This type of discharge may last for up to 14 days. It may be thick and sticky, but there will be less than there was during ovulation. Just before a period. Discharge may be white with a yellowish tinge.

Will yellow discharge go away?

Clear, white, or slightly yellow discharge that does not have an odor and accompanying symptoms is typically harmless. However, if your discharge is green or yellow and has a foul smell, you may have an infection.

What color is healthy discharge?

Normal vaginal discharge is milky or white and is odorless. But sometimes, an imbalance of bacteria in your lady parts can cause your discharge to change color.

How can I stop daily discharge?

Wear cotton underpants during the day. Cotton allows your private parts area to “breathe.” Don’t wear underpants at night. Avoid wearing tight pants, pantyhose, swimming suits, biking shorts, or leotards for long periods. Change your laundry detergent or fabric softener if you think it may be irritating your private parts area.