Whiteheads: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Introduction:

Just like blackheads white, heads are very common skin conditions affecting the skin of the face, chest, neck, and back. Whiteheads may not appear or be as visible as blackheads however, appear as small bumps on the skin. It could be due to several reasons like hair follicle irritation or oily skin. Though whiteheads may seem to have no way out, there are ways one can prevent them from occurring.

What Are Whiteheads?

Whiteheads are a type of acne blemish. Whiteheads appear as a result of oil and dead skin that close off hair follicles or sebaceous glands. Whiteheads appear when the pores get clogged with oil (sebum) and dirt (dead skin cells). These form closed bumps on the skin called whiteheads. These look like small bumps, usually skin-colored, or may appear whitish to yellowish in appearance. These are very different from blackheads. Blackheads are open bumps on the skin, while whiteheads are closed bumps on the skin. Blackheads appear black as they get clogged with dirt and hair follicles and usually cause dark spots on the skin. Whiteheads may be slightly tender or have no symptoms.

What Are the Causes of Whiteheads?

Sebaceous glands over the body are present close to the hair follicles. Whiteheads occur when the hair follicles or these sebaceous glands containing oily substances and dirt accumulate under the skin. The causes of whiteheads are as follows:

• Increased sebum or oily substances are produced by the sebaceous glands.

• Abnormal keratin formation.

• Increased bacterial growth on the skin may make the skin more prone to acne.

• Hormonal changes can result in acne. However, there is no clear evidence that hormonal changes cause whiteheads.

Where Do Whiteheads Appear on the Body?

Whiteheads affect the nose, chin, face, forehead, neck, upper back, arms, and chest areas. There are the areas of the body that also secrete body oils and usually have oily skin. When the body secretes oil called sebum, the skin remains hydrated and shiny. However, accumulation of these dirt and oily fluids can result in small bumps on the skin's surface, causing whiteheads. Whiteheads can, at times, occur on thighs, butts, ears, armpits, and genitals too. Studies show whiteheads are associated with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.

How to Remove Whiteheads?

Most individuals find it very tempting to have clear skin free from small bumps. It is quite normal for people to squeeze the whiteheads and get rid of them. However, it is very crucial to remove the whiteheads carefully using extraction tools instead of squeezing them with fingers. Improper removal of whiteheads can be quite painful and may leave spots or permanent marks on the skin. This may harm the skin in the long run as it is more likely to break the skin open and cause infections due to the entry of the bacteria. The skin around may become swollen, painful, and puffy. It can also cause pus (abscess) formation and cause infected acne. Eventually, it may lead to scarring of the skin. Hence, it is crucial to remove whiteheads carefully without damaging the skin:

• A warm steam or a warm compress should be applied to the area of the skin to open the pores. Steam and warm compress help the pores to open and help in the easy removal of whiteheads.

• One should make sure their hands are clean and hand hygiene is maintained to avoid the transfer of bacteria and infections.

• One should then use small cotton pads to get rid of excess oil on the skin to prevent future whiteheads from occurring.

• One way to remove whiteheads is to apply gentle pressure on either side to help squeeze out the contents of the whiteheads. One should make sure not to apply extra pressure if the contents do not squeeze out.

• Once the whiteheads are removed the skin should be cleansed again to prevent any infections.

How Are Whiteheads Treated Professionally?

Doctors recommend avoidingself-removal of whiteheads due to damage to the skin and other related issues. Dermatologists remove whiteheads as they begin to appear as well as prevent future whiteheads from occurring in the first place. Though treatment varies from person to person and also on the skin type, the procedure to remove the whiteheads remains the same. Doctors recommend using sunscreens on stepping out in the sun to prevent skin damage. Dermatologists use astringents that help the skin to shrink and remove excess oil. Astringents also have an antibacterial effect to prevent the onset f any infections and prevent the entry of bacteria. Hence, professional removal of whiteheads prevents the reoccurrence of whiteheads and helps to get rid of them at the earliest.

How Can One Prevent Whiteheads?

Here are some tipson how one can prevent whiteheads from occurring:

• Hygiene - Washing the face twice daily with gentle soap and water can help the skin to get rid of dirt and excess oil. This will naturally help prevent whiteheads.

• Avoid Squeezing - Squeezing the pimples should be avoided to prevent scarring and dark spots on the skin.

• Scrubbing - Scrubbing the skin to exfoliate the dead skin cells helps prevent whiteheads by removing dirt and excess oil too.

• Avoid Cosmetics - Unnecessary use of harsh cosmetics on the skin may invite acne and whiteheads. Hence it is important to avoid using cosmetic products as much as possible. One must remove makeup and all skin-related products before going to bed.

• Using Oil-Free Products - Using oil-free skincare products will help prevent clogging of the pores and prevent whiteheads.

• Face-Shaving - Shaving the face can open the pores and invite whiteheads and acne. It is essential to take proper care after hair removal and apply astringent to prevent infections.

Conclusion:

Whiteheads are a common occurrence, and very difficult to completely get rid of them. Whiteheads can be prevented by taking the necessary measures. However, self-removal of whiteheads or blackheads is not advised due to the risk of skin damage. Hence, it is always recommended to remove whiteheads under supervision and treatment by a skin care professional or a dermatologist. The dermatologist may also prescribe skin care products to prevent whiteheads from occurring in the future.