Causes of blackheads (black and white) and how they differ from acne

Definition

What are blackheads?

Blackheads are spots that appear on the skin due to clogged hair follicles. These spots are known as blackheads because the surface is black.

Blackheads are a type of mild acne that occurs on the face. However, this skin condition can also appear on the back, chest, neck, arms and shoulders.

How common is this condition?

Blackheads are a condition that is quite common and almost everyone experiences this, especially adolescents at puberty. This is because blackheads are the initial stage of acne appearance.

Therefore, people who experience acne problems on their skin are most likely to have blackheads before they develop into pimples.

Type

What are the types of blackheads?

Blackheads are a type of acne that does not experience inflammation and are divided into two types, namely blackheads (blackheads) and white blackheads (whiteheads).

Blackheads (blackheads)

Blackheads or blackheads are open comedones that occur when oil clogs hair follicles. The cause of the black color of blackheads is a chemical reaction to melanin (the pigment that gives skin color).

This reaction occurs as a result of being exposed to surrounding air and the melanin in the dead skin cells being oxidized. As a result, spots that initially resemble skin turn dark brown, resulting in blackheads.

Whiteheads (whiteheads)

Whiteheads or whiteheads is a forerunner to acne that is formed due to clogged pores by excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells.

This condition eventually covers the entire surface of the pore so that the appearance of the pimple resembles small, closed white bumps. Therefore, this non-contagious skin disease is referred to as whiteheads or closed comedones.

Other types

Apart from the two types above which are quite common, there are several other forms of blackheads that people may experience less frequently, namely as follows.

• Microcomedone : small blackheads that are not visible to the naked eye.
• Macrocomedone : blackheads with a diameter of more than 2 - 3 mm.
• Blackhead cyst: a type of cyst with a clear, black-like opening on the skin.
• Solar comedone : blackheads due to sun exposure commonly found on the cheeks and chin of the elderly.

Cause

What causes blackheads?

The cause of blackheads is generally dirt trapped in the skin pores. This might happen if you are among those who rarely clean your face, especially after wearing make-up or traveling.

In addition, there are two factors that can increase a person's risk of having blackheads on the face, namely age and hormonal changes.

Blackheads often appear at puberty, which is a time when the production of androgen hormones increases and triggers the production of oil under the skin. When this happens, the skin will receive more sebum (oil) and dead skin cells.

Even so, hormonal changes do not only occur in adolescence, but also during menstruation, pregnancy, and currently using birth control pills.

Here are some other factors that can trigger the appearance of blackheads.

• Use of cosmetics that can cover the pores of the skin.
• Sweat a lot, especially when exercising.
• Shaving that causes the hair follicles to open.
• Stress or other conditions related to hormonal changes, such as PMS syndrome.
• Being exposed to certain chemicals, such as oily pomade or propylene glycol.
• Use of certain drugs, such as corticosteroids and lithium.
• The habit of squeezing pimples causes follicles to burst.
• Eat acne-triggering foods, especially dairy products and foods high in sugar.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of blackheads?

Normally, blackheads on the face are marked with small dark spots. Some people may think that these spots are pimples. However, blackheads are much lighter and darker in color.

The dark color of blackheads occurs as a result of the melanin pigment being exposed to air or sunlight, so it undergoes an oxidation process (the combination of substances and oxygen).

The areas of human skin that most commonly experience blackheads are the nose, around the lips, and around the ears. Apart from the face, this skin problem can also occur on the back, neck, arms, and chest.

These parts have a number of hair follicles that are not much different from the face. Hair usually grows from hair follicles which are located in the pores and inside are the sebaceous glands that produce the skin's natural oils.

What is the difference between pimples and blackheads?

Most people sometimes can't tell the difference between acne and blackheads. In fact, both are different skin diseases and require different treatments.

Acne is usually white in color and contains pus in it. If the pimple becomes inflamed, the lump can turn red. Meanwhile, blackheads can be black or white which occurs as a result of the oxidation process.

When viewed from the size, blackheads are smaller and sometimes you may not realize it, while the size of pimples tends to be bigger.

Even so, one type of blackhead, namely whiteheads, is the forerunner of acne. So it's no surprise that you mistake acne and blackheads or vice versa.

Medicine and medication

How to get rid of blackheads?

If you think you have blackheads, there are several ways you can deal with this problem. In fact, some of them are not much different from how to get rid of acne in general.

Use topical drugs' comedolytic’

One way to get rid of blackheads that is quite effective is to use topical drugs that are ' comedolytic '. This type of drug usually needs to be used 1-2 times a day by applying it to all areas that have blackheads.

It may take you weeks to months for this medicine to show the expected results. Some of the active compounds commonly found in drugs to treat blackheads are:

• benzoyl peroxide,
• azelaic acid,
• salicylic acid,
• glycolic acid,
• retinoids, such as tretinoin and adapalene (requires a prescription from a doctor), as well
• prescription antibiotics in combination with other drugs.

If the drugs that are sold freely do not work and this condition bothers you, you should consult a doctor.

Surgical and laser surgery

Surgical surgery to remove blackheads may not be as major surgery as you might imagine. This method is usually used to get rid of blackheads that are stubborn and don't heal even after being given medication.

• Manual lift with extractor aid to lift and remove clogs.
• Microdermabrasion to remove the outer layer of skin so that the blockage can be removed.
• Photodynamic therapy to reduce oil production and kill bacteria that cause acne and blackheads.

Routinely clean your face

Apart from using gels or creams to treat blackheads, you are also encouraged to be diligent in cleaning your face.

Some people may take a shortcut by squeezing the skin around the blackhead to get it out quickly. However, this can actually damage your skin because it can trigger inflammation that was not there before.

Therefore, you should wash your face at least twice a day with a facial cleanser that suits your skin type.

What if this condition is allowed?

If blackheads are allowed and coupled with bad habits that can cause acne, it is not impossible that severe types of acne will appear.

This may be because the blockages in the skin pores keep oil from accumulating under the skin. As a result, skin pores become irritated and enlarge so that they can burst on their own.

When this happens, white blood cells will enter and cause swelling of the pores. Eventually, pimples formed.

If you have further questions, please consult a dermatologist to get the right solution.