A 23-year-old member asked:
i scratched a pimple on my arm and the skin arround the wound tend to yellow. is that alarming?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Kwok answered
Pediatrics 33 years experience
Maybe, maybe not: A pimple (whitehead) contains white blood cells (forming the whitish or yellowish stuff). The stuff is called pus, and is a reaction to trapped bacteria, oils, and/or skin cells (called a comedone). Once the pus is out, the pimple dries up in less than 2 days. However, if it stays mushy, reddened, tender, or has more pus coming out, it may be infected (and so needs a doctor's evaluation).
5830 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Dec 9, 2013
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits
$15 per month
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.