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
  • Mosquito bites can cause a range of reactions, from mild redness and itching to blisters and bruise-like dark spots, depending on the person’s sensitivity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025
  • Sister Lisa had to tend to this blood blister twice during Round 1 of the KPMG.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Folliculitis refers to the bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicle that can lead to redness or pustules centered around the hair follicle.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • Later in the growing season, rust pustules on the underside of the leaf can be orange and black.
    Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • In a world where teens proudly wear pimple patches out in public, having my older teen wear these wasn’t an issue.
    Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 24 June 2025
  • Pimple patches aren’t very effective at treating deeper, cystic pimples or blackheads.
    Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Gradually stir in milk or cream until simmering mixture boils and thickens.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
  • Guests will get a seafood boil with lobster, shrimp, sausage, and more, along with family-style sides and special desserts.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Papule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/papule. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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