as in blister
a small, inflamed swelling of the skin the reddish, itchy papules that are characteristic of the rash

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of papule In individuals with a lighter skin tone, papules can appear red, but those with a darker skin tone may exhibit them in shades of brown, purple, or gray.5 Your healthcare provider may recommend a similar treatment, such as a topical steroid cream, for papules.6 3. Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 9 May 2025 May Be Useful in Acne Treatment People with acne often have lowered serum zinc levels, and both oral and topical zinc have been found to reduce the prevalence of inflammatory papules, both when used as monotherapy and as a supplemental therapy.5 4. Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 1 May 2025 Some research shows that people with acne generally have lower levels of zinc in their blood and that taking supplemental zinc may reduce inflammatory papules. Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2024 These often red, inflamed bumps are also called papules. Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2024 This form of rosacea is often mistaken for acne and involves bumps that can be papules or pustules.1 A small clinical trial of 50 people showed that a 20 mg dose taken twice a day can mostly or completely clear skin lesions within four weeks. Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 13 Sep. 2024 Look for small blackheads and red bumps (papules) on your child's skin. Angela Palmer Updated, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2024 More rare side effects include skin infection, abrasions, or papules at the injection site. Loren Savini, Allure, 13 Sep. 2023 Pimples, also called whiteheads, pustules or papules, are small tender bumps found on the areas of the body where the most oil glands are present, such as on one's face, back, shoulders, and neck. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 12 Aug. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for papule
Noun
  • There have been reports of burns, blisters, and lesions in people who used red light devices for longer than 30 minutes, fell asleep while using a device, or used a device that was broken.4 Protect your eyes.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 3 June 2025
  • The tennis star, 27, shared an Instagram Stories post of a cluster of open blisters on her knuckles on Thursday, May 29.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Bites from these ants leave a painful sting that produces a red pustule that itches and burns, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2025
  • Its venomous sting causes pustules and allergic reactions and is capable of killing a human.
    Jack Guy, CNN, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Acne Acne is an inflammatory skin condition caused by sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells clogging pores, leading to pimples.
    Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025
  • Under no circumstances should picking at pimples be celebrated.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • City of Richmond map showing which neighborhoods are affected by the boil water advisory.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • But simmering domestic tensions are set to a rolling boil by Fehmi’s increasing fascination with the troubled teenager next door.
    Lorraine Berry, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Papule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/papule. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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