Causes of Severe Blackheads
Blackheads are a type of acne, named for their dark color. The causes of severe blackheads are similar to how most types of acne develop. In general, acne is caused by excess secretions (called sebum) of oil in the sebaceous glands. The secretions drain into hair follicles and harden. If the hardened sebum reaches the surface of the skin, it turns black because oxygen reacts with melanin in the skin. Severe blackheads can occur when a number of pores become blocked by secretions or when a large amount of excess pigments and bacteria reach the skin's surface.
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Causes
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The direct cause of a blackhead is a blocked skin pore. However, the underlying causes of the excess sebum that results in the blocked pore and the acne in general (including the blackheads) vary. Causes may include hormone imbalances, genetics, medications, makeup, stress or environmental factors.
Genetics
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Acne can be inherited. If your parents have a hormonal imbalance or had acne, you will be more likely to have acne as well. This is because genetics control the production of sebum secretions. Once the sebaceous glands are overactive, mild to severe blackheads may develop.
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Hormones
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Hormonal changes, including puberty (for both males and females), pregnancy or menstruation can cause an increase in the production of sebum. This increase can cause acne, including blackheads.
Stress
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Stress can cause an increase in severe blackheads, but the reason for this link is not completely understood. It is possible that stress may contribute to a lack of personal hygiene, which causes blackheads to form. However, stress itself is an independent factor that increases the chances of developing severe blackheads.
Medical Problems
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Certain unrelated medical problems, including an underactive thyroid, anemia, constipation or indigestion, have also been associated with an increased risk of developing severe blackheads.
Acne conglobata, a particularly severe form of standard acne (acne vulgaris) is also characterized by severe and/or numerous blackheads. Acne conglobata can cause long-term, disfiguring scarring.
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