Is Pus Dead Cells?
Yes, pus is primarily composed of dead cells. Specifically, it's a mixture of dead white blood cells, which are part of your body's immune response to infection, along with dead tissue and bacteria or fungi. The appearance of pus—whitish-yellow, yellow, green, or brown-yellow—depends on the type of infection and the composition of the dead cells and other debris.
Pus is a protein-rich fluid, also known as liquor puris, that accumulates at the site of an infection. It's a key indicator that your body is fighting off an infection. Several sources confirm this composition:
- Dead White Blood Cells: The major component of pus is dead white blood cells (leukocytes). These cells are crucial to your immune system and fight infection by engulfing and destroying pathogens. When they die in large numbers during an infection, they contribute significantly to pus formation.
- Dead Tissue: Pus also contains dead tissue cells from the area surrounding the infection. The extent of tissue damage depends on the severity and type of infection.
- Bacteria/Fungi: Dead bacteria or fungi, the infectious agents triggering the immune response, are also present in pus.
- Other Substances: Pus may contain other substances, such as fluid and debris, depending on the location and nature of the infection.
Several examples illustrate the presence of dead cells in pus:
- Skin abscesses: These contain pus with bacteria, white blood cells, and dead skin cells. (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2677448)
- Infected wounds: Pus from infected wounds is a mixture of dead white blood cells, dead tissues, and dead bacteria or fungi. (https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-do-about-pus-from-a-wound-or-incision-3157314)
- Abscesses in general: Abscesses (localized collections of pus) contain a buildup of fluid, living and dead white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria. (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001353.htm)
It's important to note that while a scab is made of dead cells, it's incorrect to say that a scab itself can become infected. An infected wound underneath a scab will produce pus. (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325761)
