“I have pus-filled white bumps around my ankle. What could this be?”
I have noticed pus-filled white bumps around my foot and ankle, and I am not sure what this is. Is this something serious?
26 Answers
Bumps in the skin could be caused by many factors including but not limited to bacterial infection, allergic reaction, friction, or even circulation issues. Depending on the diagnosis it could require antibiotics or a referral to another specialist. You can't know for sure without seeing a podiatrist or a dermatologist.
This could represent several possible causes. So, it is difficult to predict without examine this problem. I recommend that you seek out a local foot and ankle specialist for a consultation. Best wishes, Dr Disabato
It sounds like some type of fungal infection (ie: fungus or yeast). You need to be evaluated and treated by a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon or a Dermatologist.
If it itches it may be atopic dermatitis
If the liquid is clear, could be fungal. If purulent exudate, could be bacterial. In all cases, seek medical attention.
White pus filled bumps can be a type of athlete's foot, usually not itchy either. Can try an over the counter cream like Lamisil have to do twice a day for 3 weeks, or prescription strength creams are better. Would recommend seeing a Podiatrist to have this closely looked at.
You may have a bacterial infection, should see a professional
Yes, probably a condition called Tinea pedis, athletes foot. See your podiatrist.
Hello
Anything regardless of where it is that contains pus filled fluid should be cultured. With that being said, the seriousness of any condition with pus like substance would depend on the results of the culture which may indicate an infectious process.
Treatment would be initiated based on the culture.
Anything regardless of where it is that contains pus filled fluid should be cultured. With that being said, the seriousness of any condition with pus like substance would depend on the results of the culture which may indicate an infectious process.
Treatment would be initiated based on the culture.
Pus is an accumulation of white blood cells usually associated with infection. Clean the area with alcohol a few times a day and if it doesn't improve after a few days then go visit your podiatrist or dermatologist
It will be best to have them checked by a professional to make sure they are not infectious.
It could be serious. They might be signs of a fungal infection, bug bites that got infected from scratching, possible skin infection known as cellulitis, etc. It’s certainly worth making an appointment with a foot doctor near you to find out what’s going on and treat it, before it gets worse.
Bacterial or fungal
Allergic vs. fungal reaction.
You need to see your doctor
Are you sure they are pus filled? These could also be piezogenic papules, which are prominent fat pockets. Have your doc evaluate this
This could be related to an athlete's foot but would need to be evaluated by a foot and ankle specialist (podiatrist) to get a complete history and physical examination to make a definitive diagnosis
This is an infection and needs to be treated
This could be multiple things. Likely a superficial infection, which could be fungal or bacterial. Would need a full evaluation. Could start with warm compresses in the meantime.
Ahmad Farah, DPM
Ahmad Farah, DPM
If not from ant/bug bites likely a fungus
Get a dermatologist consult or make an appointment with a dermatologist.
You need to be seen by a physician, preferably a dermatologist. I would only be venturing a guess not knowing the answers to some vital questions and actually seeing the lesions. Pus is the accumulation of dead white blood cells present from an infection. Can you be sure it is an infection? Perhaps it is an allergic reaction and not an infection. It might be a contact dermatitis, it could be the result of coming into contact with something like poison ivy. Best bet is to see the dermatologist.
Rod Tomczak, MD, EdD
Rod Tomczak, MD, EdD
Hard to tell from the information given, but it would be advisable to have cultures taken of the drainage as well as microscopic exam to ascertain their origin. Thanks for the question!
If there is pus, it could be serious. You should immediately seek attention by a dermatologist or a Podiatrist. But it could be a minor issue. If it is itchy, it could be simple athletes foot/fungal infection.
It can be what is called piezogenic papules, which is just fat that herniates through the dermis of you skin. If they aren't painful, no need to worry about them.
Pus is usually a serious condition. It is a sign of infection. Blister formation can be the etiology, but there are many other conditions that can cause bacterial infections. I recommend you have a specialist evaluate it as more often than not, you will need to have the lesions drained professionally and likely need oral antibiotics and local wound care.
