Contents:
- Medical Video: Acne Vulgaris and Extracting large Whiteheads - Part 1
- Causes of whitehead acne
- How common is whitehead acne?
- How to treat whitehead acne
- How to prevent whitehead acne
- Wrong myths about whitehead acne
- Possible complications caused by whitehead acne
Medical Video: Acne Vulgaris and Extracting large Whiteheads - Part 1
Whitehead is a type of acne that forms when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria clog pores. In contrast to blackhead acne, the whitehead is under the surface of the skin of the closed pores.
Whitehead can occur at any age. However, whiteheads most often occur accompanied by hormonal changes at puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
In general, whiteheads can be prevented by a combination of lifestyle changes and medical care.
Causes of whitehead acne
Whitehead appears due to closed pores. Pores can be blocked by several causes.
Hormonal changes are the most common trigger for acne. Certain stages of life can increase the amount of oil produced by the pores, causing the pores to catch up, and the whitehead to appear. This stage includes:
- Puberty
- Menstruation
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
Some drugs can also increase hormone levels, causing acne. Women can experience problems with zits on the menstrual cycle when they stop taking birth control pills.
Genetics also has a role in the formation of whiteheads. If someone in your family has a whitehead problem, you have a risk to the whitehead.
How common is whitehead acne?
Whitehead can appear on parts of the body where the pores can become blocked. The part of the face that is easily oily, such as the nose, chin and forehead, is the most prone to acne. But the whitehead can also appear on your chest, back, shoulders and arms. Women are more susceptible to whiteheads because women experience significant hormonal changes in life. However, men can also experience it, especially during puberty.
In women and men, acne can occur at any age. This means that if you don't experience acne problems during your adolescence, you may still experience them at a certain time in adulthood.
How to treat whitehead acne
Whitehead is a mild type of acne because of its easy treatment. Prescription or prescription cleansers and ointments can treat this condition. Products containing benzoyl peroxide can reduce oil production in the pores, and products containing salicylic acid can overcome the pimples that have emerged.
Treatment takes up to 8 weeks. If you don't see progress after 8 weeks, contact your doctor for other treatment options.
How to prevent whitehead acne
Although oral and topical treatments can overcome the whiteheads, certain lifestyle changes can also prevent whiteheads.
If you use facial makeup, choose a product with a noncomedogenic label. This product will not clog the pores. You are also advised to use oil-free lotions to reduce oil on your skin.
Bathe and shampoo regularly, but don't overdo it. Spending oil on the skin can actually increase oil production, so that the whitehead is easier to appear. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face twice a day. If your hair is oily, wash it every day.
Wrong myths about whitehead acne
There are many wrong views on the whitehead. You must know that:
- Excessive bathing and scrubbing does not prevent whiteheads
- Fast food does not cause acne
- Chocolate does not worsen the condition of acne
- Stress does not cause the appearance of a whitehead
Possible complications caused by whitehead acne
The way you treat whiteheads can affect the condition of your skin. If you often touch the whitehead, the chances of irritation and infection will increase. In serious cases, irritated whiteheads can cause acne scars or dark spots on the skin. Surgery can be needed to deal with severe injuries.
Severe cases of acne can affect your mental condition. Acne is often associated with low self-esteem, because people who have this condition feel bad about their appearance. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, adolescents with severe acne conditions are prone to depression. For this reason, severe acne conditions are often treated as a depression problem. You are advised to immediately contact a doctor if the feeling of depression lasts more than a few days.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
