Pus, also known as liquor puris, is a thick, protein-rich fluid made up of dead white blood cells, dead tissues, and dead bacteria
. It is a natural response to an infection, usually caused by bacteria or fungi, as the body's immune system automatically responds to the infection
. Pus can be yellow, green, or brown-yellow and may sometimes have a foul odor
. Some of the key characteristics of pus include:
- Color : Pus is typically whitish-yellow in color, but it can also be yellow, green, or brown-yellow
. Green pus can be caused by the presence of myeloperoxidase, an intensely green antibacterial protein produced by some types of white blood cells
. Green, foul-smelling pus can be found in certain infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Formation : Pus forms when the body's immune system detects an infection and sends neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, to destroy the invading bacteria or fungi
. During this process, some of the neutrophils and surrounding tissue die, resulting in the formation of pus
- Location : Pus can form in various parts of the body, including the skin, eyes, and open wounds
. Skin abscesses often form due to a boil, infected hair follicle, or severe acne, while eye infections and blocked tear ducts can also produce pus
Treatment for pus depends on the location and size of the accumulation. Smaller buildups of pus can be managed at home by soaking a towel in warm water and holding it against the infected area for 5 minutes to reduce swelling and open up the pimple or skin abscess for a faster healing process
. However, larger or less accessible buildups of pus may require surgical intervention and the application of a drainage channel
. If pus appears after surgery, it is essential to contact a doctor immediately
