Papules : causes, treatments and tips

What is a papule?

• A papule is a small raised skin lesion, often red or pink, without pus. Papules can appear anywhere on the body and are generally the result of inflammation or an immune reaction on the skin.
• Papules differ in size, texture, and appearance. Generally, they have a diameter of less than a centimetre and present as firm, sometimes painful, skin bumps. They can appear individually or in clusters, depending on their cause.

What causes papules?

Papules can have various causes:

How do papules change over time?

In some cases, papules disappear on their own once the underlying cause is resolved. This is particularly true when they result from an allergic reactionary temporary irritation. However, other papules, such as those associated with acne or psoriasis, may require more specific treatments.

The duration of papules depends on various factors, including:

• the nature of the papule,
• the type of skin they appear on,
• the treatments and skincare used.

Inflammatory, infectious, or allergic papules evolve differently. For instance, an allergic papule will quickly fade if the allergen is identified and removed. Additionally, those with oily or sensitive skin may experience a longer healing process, as their skin is more delicate. Lastly, using soothing, non-irritating products can help papules subside faster, allowing the skin to regain its natural glow quicker.

Symptoms of papules: what to look out for

Common signs of papules

Papules usually appear as a reddish or pinkish hue. You may experience a tingling sensation or an urge to scratch the affected area, which can be uncomfortable. If the lesion is inflammatory, it may also feel sensitive to the touch.

Warning signs associated with papules

Certain signs may indicate a negative development or complications, requiring medical attention. These include a rapid spread and an increase of the size or number of papules, which may suggest an infection or a more severe inflammatory reaction.

Also watch out for the appearance of pustules or fluid. If the papules turn into pus-filled lesions, you may need to consult your general practitioner (GP) or a dermatologist for appropriate treatment. A fever is also a sign you should look out for. In the event of an infection, a fever or other physical symptoms may accompany the papule. In such a case, it is essential to promptly consult a healthcare professional.

Diagnosing papules for better treatments

Consulting a dermatologist to identify the cause

Seeking professional diagnosis is a wise decision when dealing with papules. In these cases, the doctor of reference is a dermatologist. They will examine the appearance and location of the papules, as well as review your medical history to determine the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

A precise diagnosis is essential to effectively treat papules. The dermatologist will assess their size, texture and location and then identify the potential triggers, such as allergies or infection. In some cases, they may take a sample or perform a biopsy to confirm the cause of their appearance.

If the papules persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or severe pain, it is even more important to consult a dermatologist. Medical advice will allow for targeted treatment and limit the risk of complications due to the development of papules on your face or body.

Medical treatments to eliminate papules

Several therapeutic options are available to treat papules. Their use will mostly depend on the underlying cause. 

For example, in the case of acne, the inflammation can be reduced by using benzoyl peroxide, retinoid, or topical antibiotics. For allergic reactions, you can use corticosteroid creams or antihistamines to help soothe irritation and reduce inflammation. For papules caused by infections, antiviral or antibiotic treatments may be necessary to target the underlying disease.

To be sure of the right treatment for your condition, consult a healthcare professional.

Natural alternatives and practical tips for managing papules

Natural solutions can be used in addition to medical treatments. They mainly help soothe the skin, when inflammation becomes bothersome. For this, you can use aloe vera, which hydrates the skin and reduces inflammation ; or cold compresses, which help minimise redness and relieve itching.

Here are some practical daily tips to ease discomfort when papules appear: 

• Adopt a suitable skincare routine: cleanse your skin once or twice a day, with a gentle, soap- and fragrance-free cleanser.
• Use non-comedogenic cosmetics: avoid greasy or irritating creams to let your skin breathe.
• Avoid scratching papules: do not touch the existing papule to limit the risks of scarring and secondary infections.

Acne: how to prevent papules and reduce scarring

To avoid the formation of new papules, it is essential to identify and avoid triggers. Daily habits like steering clear of allergens or irritating products can help protect the skin. 

If you have acne, adopt a skincare routine by cleansing and hydrating your skin daily to prevent the formation of papules. The Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel and Cleanance HYDRA Soothing Cream are suitable for even the most sensitive skins.

Additionally, always protect your skin from the sun. Prolonged exposure to the sun can worsen lesions, so applying a sun protection of minimum SPF30 will help you shield your skin from harmful rays.

If you cannot avoid the appearance of papules, here are a few tips to limit the marks they can leave: 

• Consult a dermatologist or a doctor at the first signs to quickly treat the inflammation.
• Use healing creams to speed up skin repair.
• Avoid hyperpigmentation by protecting your skin from the sun with an SPF30 (minimum) cream.
• Do not touch or pick at the blemishes!

Distinguishing papules from other skin lesions

Although papules are quite common, they are often mistaken for other types of skin lesions. Understanding the differences is essential to choose the right treatment and skincare.

How do papules differ from pustules?

They can easily be confused, as they are both raised skin lesions. But the key difference is their content.

Unlike papules, pustules contain pus, which gives them a yellowish or whitish centre surrounded by redness. Often linked to inflammatory acne or localised infections, they tend to be softer, and sometimes painful to the touch. 

Papules, on the other hand, remain firm and do not contain any fluid, indicating a more superficial inflammation.