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Blackheads And Whiteheads: Understand The Two To Be Blemish Free |
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Blackheads and whiteheads are the mild form of acne which are non inflammatory in nature. They are also called as comedo.
Both of these comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) are caused by excess of oily substance "sebum" and dead skin cells. Comedo is nothing, but acne lesion which is a plugged pore in the skin. A white bump formed under the skin, is a closed comedo which is called as whitehead. While an open comedo with black tip is blackhead.
That is, acne infection is below your skin in case of whiteheads and above the skin in blackheads. In both the cases infection is there, which needs to be corrected to have a healthy skin. The exact cause(s) of blackheads and whiteheads are not known as yet. But several theories are put in this regard. Let's find out each of these aspects one by one.
Why blackheads are typically black, and how are they both formed?
Blackheads
Well, blackhead is a blackish or yellowish bump or plug on the surface of the skin. It is a thin hair follicle that has a wider than normal opening. It is full of sebum and dead skin cells. Due to the oxidation of melanin, the material in the follicle looks blackish in color.
Blackheads are typically caused by excess of oil, make up and dirt. But, the main reason is excess of oils that get accumulated in the sebaceous gland's duct. The oily substance together with dead skin cells fills up the hair follicle. The substance found in the follicle mostly consists of keratin and modified sebum. The sebum when trapped in the hair follicles obstructs the hair follicle. As a result, blackhead is formed.
A blackhead may occur on your face, back, and for that matter any body part that is rich in sebaceous glands. Usually they appear on your face, especially on nose, chin and ears. They may last for long as they are steady structures and if not ruptured, may cause no pain for long. But they look too ugly to leave them untreated.
Common health disorders like indigestion, constipation, under active thyroid and anemia may also cause blackheads.
And what about Whiteheads?
Whiteheads
As hair follicles are filled with the same material (sebum, dead skin cells), it gets obstructed. As a result, the material in the follicle looks white in color. This is because air can not reach the follicle and the material inside is not oxidized. The follicle remains white and is called the whitehead.
Whiteheads generally appear as small white spots and could be at times invisible to your naked eyes.
Production of androgens, which are the male hormones, is identified as the major cause of blackheads and whiteheads. And that is the reason why teenagers and pregnant women suffer so much from them.
The relation of comedones with certain types of foods and dirt is also not established; still it is believed that they assist the occurrence of acne blemishes.
By releasing the content of blackheads and whiteheads you can heal them but improper handling of this material can lead to more severe form of acne. Generally germs do no form blackheads but prevalent blackheads can easily be infected and deter your skin condition. So it is better to not prick or pop your black heads or whiteheads.
Therefore the best way to prevent blackheads and whiteheads from appearing is to take daily care and wash your face on a regular basis with good skin care products. The prescribed blackheads and whiteheads medication include resorcinol, salicylic acid and sulphur. You can also use a number of medical as well as cosmetic treatment options to clear them.
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