Acne - Know About Whiteheads And Blackheads For Clear Skin
C.D. Mohatta
August 18, 2006
Every talk about acne (acne vulgaris) includes terms such as whiteheads and blackheads. What are they and why are they called so? Let us find out below.
Acne develops on the hair follicles that have sebaceous glands attached to them. The sebaceous glands produce an oil called sebum. Because of certain reasons, the sebum changes in quality and quantity giving rise to scales on the hair follicle. These scales block the skin pore causing acne. This blockage is the beginning of acne.
The first stage of this blockage shows up as blackheads and whiteheads. These are also called as comedones. A comedone is a sebaceous follicle that is plugged and filled with sebum, dead cells, etc. An open comedone is called a blackhead because of its blackish appearance. A blocked comedone is referred as whitehead, which is a small bump in the skin with skin like color. A whitehead has a closed mouth and the blackhead has an open mouth.
What will you do if you have blackheads or whiteheads? First of all, do not squeeze them yourself. That may leave permanent scars and also infection. The best method is to approach a dermatologist who will pick them open, if required under sterile conditions. Please note that acne scars can permanently disfigure you.
As far as basic care is concerned, wash your face gently with slightly warm water and mild soap to remove excess sebum and dead skin. Do this 2-3 times a day, and not more. Do not be harsh on the skin. Please note that acne takes time to clear. Apply any topical cream that may be prescribed by your dermatologist. Acne treatment requires patience. Many of you hurry to get rid of acne and create further inflammation.
This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advice and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Please follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualifed medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.
Acne develops on the hair follicles that have sebaceous glands attached to them. The sebaceous glands produce an oil called sebum. Because of certain reasons, the sebum changes in quality and quantity giving rise to scales on the hair follicle. These scales block the skin pore causing acne. This blockage is the beginning of acne.
The first stage of this blockage shows up as blackheads and whiteheads. These are also called as comedones. A comedone is a sebaceous follicle that is plugged and filled with sebum, dead cells, etc. An open comedone is called a blackhead because of its blackish appearance. A blocked comedone is referred as whitehead, which is a small bump in the skin with skin like color. A whitehead has a closed mouth and the blackhead has an open mouth.
What will you do if you have blackheads or whiteheads? First of all, do not squeeze them yourself. That may leave permanent scars and also infection. The best method is to approach a dermatologist who will pick them open, if required under sterile conditions. Please note that acne scars can permanently disfigure you.
As far as basic care is concerned, wash your face gently with slightly warm water and mild soap to remove excess sebum and dead skin. Do this 2-3 times a day, and not more. Do not be harsh on the skin. Please note that acne takes time to clear. Apply any topical cream that may be prescribed by your dermatologist. Acne treatment requires patience. Many of you hurry to get rid of acne and create further inflammation.
This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advice and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Please follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualifed medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.
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