About Whiteheads

Whiteheads are a common type of acne that can affect anyone, from prepubescent age and upward. Whiteheads can break out on the face, back, arms and chest. Learning how and why whiteheads occur can help you treat this type of acne and also prevent it from coming back.

Types

Whiteheads are a type of acne called comedones. Blackheads fall into this category of acne also. Whiteheads are obvious because of the white bump it creates under the skin. It is among the most common type of acne to appear on the face, chest and shoulders. Comedones are plugs of sebaceous (fatty or oily material secreted from glands) material and dead skin cells formed in hair follicles. Closed comedones are known as whiteheads.

Identification

Identify whiteheads by eliminating other acne types and by noting the color. A common type of acne is red bumps filled with pus and have a greenish tint. Blackheads are the same type of acne as whiteheads, but their appearance is black because the hair follicles they have formed in has opened enough for oxidation to take place. That is what gives them a black appearance. Since whiteheads are the closed type of comedone, their appearance is different. The opening to form them is much smaller in the skin and since oxidation cannot take place, their appearance is that of a white bump.

Significance

Any type of acne including whiteheads and blackheads are significant. They affect the way people interact with the world, how they see themselves and can even trigger severe emotional responses, especially in cases where acne becomes a chronic condition. Preventing and treating acne can help people become less self-conscious about their appearance.

Prevention/Solution

Preventing and treating whiteheads, blackheads and other types of acne can be simple or complicated depending on how severe each individual case is. It also must be remembered that consistency is key to keeping skin clear of breakouts. Comedones, whiteheads and blackheads, can be cleared over time by using a mild soap or a mild facial scrub used once a day. A facial scrub is good because it sloughs off the dead skin cells that contributes to plugging the hair follicles, which creates whiteheads. Vigorous scrubbing should be avoided, as it can irritate the skin. When wearing makeup, oil based products should be avoided as they can contribute to plugging the follicles. Benzoyl peroxide can also be used to treat affect areas of the skin along with, Retin-A, accutane and antibiotics can also be prescribed by a dermatologist to help. Consulting a dermatologist is the best way to find out what type of acne you have and how to clear it up.

Misconceptions

Self-consciousness is apparent in those who suffer from acne breakouts because a lot of myths surround the reasons for them. Whiteheads, blackheads and other types of acne are not caused by eating certain foods, being dirty, stress, the sun or not washing your face enough. Actually, those who overwash their skin can leave the pores open and irritated, which can cause the pores to become plugged, leading the the acne breakouts. Studies have proven that foods do not cause acne and that sun exposure can actually make acne worse and cause far greater damage to the skin. There are plenty of other misconceptions about where whiteheads, blackheads and acne come from, but the truth is that it is a natural part of life that can be treated and prevented.

Resources

• Dermatology online journal
• ACNE.org: Acne Treatment and Community