what causes pustule formation in smallpox?

Question

I watched a tv programme recently on the outbreak of smallpox in Sweden in 1963.As a medical student,i am curious to find out how pustules;which cover the entire body of a patient suffering from smallpox;are formed

Answer 1

The virus hangs out in the small dermal blood vessels...and causes endothelial swelling and infection of epidermal cells. This swelling leads to vesicles. The body fights off the virus, sending in macrophages and other white blood cells. Dead and alive white blood cells collect and form pus. The pus filles the vesicle earlier mentioned, turning the vesicle into a pustule.

Good luck with medical school and residency!