How long does a papule last?

The papules are full and dry bumps of 0.5 to 5 mm in diameter often found in people suffering from inflammatory acne or papulopustular rosacea, although they can also be due to a insect bite or a childhood disease, such as chickenpox or measles. They are generally ringed with red. The papules can settle on any part of the body and are sometimes itchy. Unlike pustules, they do not contain any fluid.

The lifespan of a papule largely depends on its cause.

The primary causes of papules, as well as their average lifespan, are presented below.

• Inflammatory acne: 3 to 10 days.

  The papules associated with inflammatory acne typically persist for a few days, but their disappearance can be hastened by the use of astringent, anti-inflammatory, and comedolytic treatments.

• Eczema: 1 to 2 weeks.

  Papules resulting from eczema can persist for quite a long time if not managed, and are often associated with intense itching.

• Psoriasis: from a few days to a few weeks.

  Psoriatic papules are typically red and covered with white scales. They can persist for a long time without treatment, with recurrent flare-ups.

• Papulopustular rosacea: 1 to 4 weeks.

  Papules appear against a backdrop of persistent redness and tend to be chronic. However, appropriate care can promote their elimination.

• Chickenpox: 8 to 12 days.

  The papules of chickenpox appear in successive waves and transform into vesicles then into crusts. The outbreaks last about a week and can cause severe itching.

• Measles: 4 to 7 days.

  Measles presents itself through red papules that first appear on the face before spreading across the entire body. They are often accompanied by a fever.

• Papular urticaria: 5 to 7 days.

  Papular urticaria is an allergic reaction, often caused by insect bites, which typically does not persist for more than a few days.

• Contact allergy: from a few days to a few weeks.

  Papules appear following contact with an allergen. Their duration varies depending on the cessation of exposure and the treatment.

• Folliculitis: 5 to 10 days.

  Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles, often caused by bacteria or irritants. The papules disappear once the inflammation is resolved and the follicles are unblocked.

• Lichen planus: from a few weeks to several months.

  Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease, the treatment of which aims to reduce inflammation and itching. The papules it causes can persist for a long time.