Whiteheads (whiteheads): symptoms, causes, medicine

Definition

What are whiteheads (whiteheads)?

Whiteheads (whiteheads) aka closed blackheads is one type of mild acne. Blackheads are formed from pores that are clogged with excess sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells.

These blockages tend to cover the entire top surface of the pore, making the pimple appear like tiny white bumps. Therefore, whiteheads are also referred to as closed comedones.

How common is this condition?

Acne is very common and can be experienced by anyone, regardless of gender and age. However, this skin problem is more often experienced by adolescents who are puberty or women who are mainly menstruating, pregnant and menopause due to the influence of hormones.

To prevent it from appearing whiteheads , You need to avoid the various trigger factors.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of whiteheads?

Signs and symptoms whiteheads depending on the severity of your skin condition. However, generally closed blackheads give rise to signs such as:

• the appearance of small, colored lumps filled with white fluid,
• lump closes pores, as well
• appears around oily areas of skin, such as T-zone, chest, back, and arms.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Generally, this type of acne can be treated easily. However, you need to check with your doctor when experiencing any of the following.

• Treatment does not produce effective results.
• The skin condition is getting worse.
• The number of blackheads increases after using certain products.

If you experience worrisome symptoms, such as itching, swelling of the face, and difficulty breathing, consult a doctor immediately. This also applies when you use acne medication without a doctor's prescription.

Cause

What causes whiteheads?

The main cause of whiteheads just like other causes of acne like blackheads , namely blockages in the pores.

The skin naturally has sebaceous glands which are responsible for producing sebum to keep the skin moisturised. However, these glands are sometimes overactive, resulting in more sebum than is needed.

Apart from producing sebum, the skin also undergoes a cell turnover process every day. This means that the dead skin cells will be removed and replaced with new, healthy skin cells.

Normally, excess sebum will be excreted through the skin pores. Instead of being wasted, the buildup of dead skin cells becomes thicker and shrinks and closes the openings of the pores.

As a result, bacteria, sebum, and skin cells around the surface of the skin get trapped in closed pores. This is what later causes pimples in the form of white bumps on the surface known as whiteheads (whiteheads).

Risk factors

What increases my risk of getting closed blackheads?

The clogged pores that trigger the growth of whiteheads can also be influenced by various factors, namely as follows.

• Hormonal changes during puberty, before menstruation, pregnancy, and suffering from certain conditions.
• Inherited the genes of parents who experience acne problems.
• Excessive friction and pressure on the skin.
• Use of drugs such as corticosteroids, testosterone, birth control pills, and lithium.
• Eat acne-triggering foods, such as drinking milk and foods high in carbohydrates.
• Stress.

Diagnosis and treatment

How to diagnose this condition?

Basically, the diagnosis of whiteheads is done through direct physical examination. Then, the doctor will determine the right type of treatment for this acne.

If the condition is severe, the doctor will consider additional treatment to speed up the recovery process.

What are the treatment options for whiteheads?

Treatment to get rid of whiteheads is usually in the form of a doctor prescribed medication or an over the counter product. Here are some treatment options for this type of acne.

AHA (alpha hydroxy acid)

AHA or alpha hydroxy acid is an acid solution that has been known for a long time as a drug used to get rid of acne. This acid solution is used to help exfoliate the skin by releasing dead skin cells.

That way, dead skin cells will be removed and the pore openings may not narrow so that clogging does not occur. AHAs below 10 percent are generally considered effective for treating blackheads.

Even so, products with AHA content are not always suitable for certain skin types, such as:

• have sun damaged skin,
• experiencing chronic acne, as well
• oily skin type.

Creams containing retinoids

Apart from AHAs, the compounds that are often used in drugs to get rid of blackheads are retinoids. Retinoids are a form of vitamin A that can reduce inflammation.

This type of vitamin A is considered effective enough to accelerate the healing of skin inflammation due to clogged pores. In some cases, retinoids are used in conjunction with other medications, especially to treat acne nodules.

This cream is not only applied to blackheads. You also need to apply this cream thoroughly on the face. The use of this cream makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Therefore, the product is better to use at night before going to bed.

Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide has strong antibacterial properties that can reduce inflammation due to bacterial infection. In addition, this substance can also reduce excess oil on the skin.

This material is available in various forms, such as facial cleansing soap, toner, or cream. Unfortunately, this product can dry out the skin so you need to use it wisely.

For initial use, you should use a product that is low in content, about two percent.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is the compound most often used to get rid of whiteheads. The reason is, this active compound can dissolve in fat and penetrate the oil-producing glands. As a result, the pores open.

Although it is considered effective, the side effect of salicylic acid is also similar to that of benzoyl peroxide, which causes dry skin. Try to choose a product with a low content the first time it is used.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies to treat whiteheads?

Apart from undergoing the aforementioned remedies, applying home remedies can also help the healing process of whiteheads. It can also prevent pimples and blackheads from coming back.

Here are lifestyle changes and home remedies that you can do to treat closed blackheads.

To do facial steam

Facial steam is a steam treatment to allow closed pores to open wider so that dirt can be removed. You can try this method by facing your face in front of a basin filled with hot water.

Maintain facial cleanliness

You can prevent blackheads or pimples by diligently cleaning your face. Especially if your face gets oily easily.

Choose mild facial cleansers and cosmetics that are labeled ' non-comedogenic 'Or' oil free 'To prevent blockages. Use facial and body cleansers as needed, not overdoing it because it can dry out your skin and worsen the skin's condition.

Avoid squeezing blackheads

You should not squeeze pimples, including blackheads, because it can increase the risk of infection if your hands are not clean when touching your face.

Clean the skin carefully

Not only washing your face, your whole body must be cleaned properly because closed blackheads can also attack other areas of the body.

Make sure you shower regularly and don't scrub your skin too hard. Rubbing too hard will create pressure and possibly cause blockages in the skin.

If you have any questions, consult a dermatologist for the best solution to your problem.