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Pus is a thick, typically yellowish to greenish fluid that accumulates as the body’s response to a bacterial infection. This substance consists mainly of dead leukocytes (white blood cells) sent by the immune system to fight the infection, along with dead tissue, bacteria and other cellular debris.
The formation of pus is a sign that the body is actively fighting an infection and is a common feature of many inflammatory processes, such as abscesses, certain skin infections or after surgical procedures.
Although the presence of pus indicates an infection and can therefore be a cause for concern, it is also an indicator of the body’s immune response and its attempt to overcome the infection. In some cases, it may be necessary to medically remove pus or treat the underlying infection with antibiotics or other means.
