papule vs. pustule

papule vs. pustule: What's the difference?

Both papules and pustules are medical terms for small elevations of the skin. A papule is somewhat pointed and inflammatory but doesn’t produce or discharge pus. A pustule is any small swelling that by definition contains pus. To distinguish the two words, remember that the word pustule also contains the word pus.

papule

noun

Pathology.

  1. a small, somewhat pointed elevation of the skin, usually inflammatory but nonsuppurative.

pustule

noun

  1. Pathology.,  a small elevation of the skin containing pus.

  2. any pimplelike or blisterlike swelling or elevation.