Pus

Pus is a whitish-yellow or yellow substance that can be found in regions of bacterial infection, including superficial infections, such as pimples. An accumulation of pus in an enclosed tissue space is known as an abscess.

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Pus consists of macrophages (a type of white blood cell), debris, dead and dying cells and necrotic tissue complements, formed by the process of necrosis. Necrosis is caused by special enzymes that are released by lysosomes. The accumulation of dead macrophages may also be caused by an excess of foreign particles or undigested molecules; the macrophages phagocytose as much as they can, and then die.

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When seen in a wound, pus indicates it is infected, and could be cleaned with an antiseptic.

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Pimple: A pimple is a type of skin lesion caused by inflamed and/or obstructed pores. The most common cause of pimples is acne, but other causes, such as smallpox, exist....

Abscess: An abscess is a collection of pus collected in a cavity formed by the tissue on the basis of an infectious process (usually caused by bacteria or parasites) or other foreign materials (e.g. bullet wounds). It is a defensive reaction of the tissue to prevent the spread of infectious materials to othe...

Macrophage: Macrophages (Greek: "big eaters") are cells found in tissues that are responsible for phagocytosis of pathogens, dead cells and cellular debris. Macrophages are part of the innate immune system....