What Is a Red Spot with a White Center?

A red spot with a white center (pustule) may be caused by: 

• Acne which may be caused by: 
  • Hormones 
  • Inflammation 
  • Stress 
  • Genetics
• Infections, such as: 
  • Infected hair follicles (folliculitis furuncles, carbuncles)
  • Impetigo
  • Chickenpox or smallpox
  • Fungal infections such as tinea or thrush
  • Parasitic infections such as scabies
• Drug eruptions
  • An adverse reaction to a drug
• Rosacea
  • A common, chronic skin condition that causes redness and raised, red bumps on the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids.
• Psoriasis 
  • A chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes skin to be red, thick, scaly, and flaky

A red spot with a white center (pustule) is diagnosed by a dermatologist with a skin examination. It is important to get a diagnosis from a dermatologist because many different conditions can cause pustules or raised red bumps that resemble pustules, such as: 

• Acne
• Rosacea
• Perioral dermatitis
• Folliculitis 
• Ingrown hairs
• Hidradenitis suppurativa (also called acne inversa)
• Keratosis pilaris
• Sebaceous hyperplasia
• Basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer

Treatment for a red spot with a white center (pustule) depends on the cause. 

Home treatments to prevent or get rid of a red spot with a white center caused by acne include: 

• Wash twice daily and after sweating and rinse with lukewarm water
• Use gentle, non-abrasive cleanser and apply with fingertips
• Use gentle products on the skin
• Don’t use too many products at once, because this may worsen acne
• Shampoo oily hair daily
• Don’t pick, squeeze, or pop pimples
• Don’t touch your face because bacteria on your fingers can get into pores and cause acne
• Avoid the sun and tanning beds
• Regularly wash all items that touch acne-prone skin, such as pillowcases and hats
• Medications to get rid of acne include: 
  • Topical (on the skin) medications 
  • Birth control pills or patches approved to treat acne
• Other treatments for more severe cases of acne include: 
  • Laser or light therapy
  • Corticosteroid injections

Treatment for infections that cause pustules depends on the specific type of infection and may include: 

• Antibiotics
• Antiviral medications
• Anti-parasitic medications

Treatment for a red spot with a white center caused by drug eruptions includes: 

• Stopping the medication that is causing the reaction
  • Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first talking to your doctor
• Antihistamines
• Topical steroids 
• Moisturizing lotions

There is no cure for rosacea. Treatment for a red spot with a white center caused by rosacea involves medications and lifestyle changes to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups. 

• Lifestyle changes 
  • Avoid triggers 
  • Use mild, unscented face cleansers 
  • Avoid using irritating products on the skin
  • Wear sunscreen daily
• Treatments used to treat acne-like breakouts of rosacea include: 
  • Azelaic acid topical 
  • Metronidazole gel or cream
  • Sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur are ingredients found in over-the-counter (OTC) treatments such as cleansers, and topical prescription medications
  • Topical retinoids, a form of vitamin A 
  • Oral antibiotics
  • Isotretinoin
  • Laser or light therapy

There is no cure for psoriasis, but treatments can relieve the symptoms. Treatment for a red spot with a white center caused by psoriasis includes: 

• Topical treatments, such as creams and ointments
• Phototherapy (light therapy)
• Systemic treatments
  • Biologics and biosimilars
  • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) 
  • Traditional oral systemics
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)