Blackheads: what they look like, treatment and prevention (2023)

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Blackheads: what they look like, treatment and prevention (1)

What are carnations?

Cloves are a type ofAcne (Acne vulgaris). These are open bumps in the skin that fill with excess oil and dead skin. It looks like there is dirt in the bulge, but an erratic reflection of light from the clogged follicle is actually causing the dark spots.

Blackheads are not pimples.Pimplethey are small, painful, discolored bumps with thick yellow-white fluid (pus) on top.

Who do blackheads affect?

Blackheads commonly affect teenagers and young adults who are experiencing hormonal changes. However, many adults continue to have acne well into their 20s, 30s and beyond. Some even develop blackheads for the first time as adults.

How common is this condition?

Blackheads are very common. Some researchers surmise that blackheads affect almost everyone at some point in their lives. They are most common in teenagers, but up to 10% to 20% of adults also have blackheads.

How do blackheads affect my body?

Your face (especially your nose and chin, sometimes your cheeks), neck, back, and chest are more likely to develop blackheads. However, the sebaceous glands (sebaceous glands) are located throughout the body. They release an oily lubricant called sebum that helps keep your skin and hair hydrated and shiny. As a result, although not common, blackheads sometimes appear on the buttocks, thighs, ears and armpits.

Blackheads do not seriously affect your physical health, but they can affect you psychosocially (how society and social groups affect your mind) and psychologically (your self-perception and behavior). Cloves can cause anxiety, depression, mood disorders and suicidal thoughts.

symptoms and causes

What are the symptoms of blackheads?

Blackheads are a milder form of acne. Dark, open bumps on the skin are the main hallmark of blackheads. They don't hurt or feel uncomfortable.pimples.

What causes blackheads?

sebaceous glandare all over your body and most of them are connected to themhair follicles. Blackheads and blackheads are comedones (singular comedone). Blackheads are open comedones and blackheads are closed comedones. Comedones occur when a hair follicle/sebaceous gland becomes inflamed. Inflammation can occur as a result of:

  • Increased production of sebum (oily material produced by the sebaceous gland).
  • Abnormal formation of keratin (the protein that helps make hair, skin and nails).
  • Increased hormones (androgens).
  • An increased presence of bacteria on the skin that causes acne.

Are blackheads contagious?

Blackheads are not contagious. You cannot transfer blackheads to another person through skin contact.

diagnosis and test

How are blackheads diagnosed?

Blackheads are easy to spot, so you don't necessarily need a doctor to diagnose them. If you experience blackheads along with other severe forms of acne, see a dermatologist for treatment.dermatologistsare doctors who specialize in conditions that affect your skin, hair, and nails.

management and treatment

How are blackheads treated?

Over-the-counter medications can treat blackheads. This can include:

  • salicylic acid: It is available over-the-counter for blackheads as a cleanser or lotion. Helps remove the top layer of damaged skin. Salicylic acid dissolves dead skin cells to prevent hair follicles from clogging.
  • azelaic acid: Barley, wheat, rye and many grains naturally contain azelaic acid. It kills microorganisms on your skin and reduces swelling.
  • Benzoyl peroxide: It is available as an over-the-counter product (such as Clearasil®, Stridex® and PanOxyl®) as a leave-on gel or wash-off gel. It targets the surface bacteria that often make acne worse. Lower concentrations and wash formulations are less irritating to the skin. Irritation (dryness) is a common side effect.
  • Retinoid (Vitamin A derivative):Retinoids like Retin-A®, Tazorac® and Differin® (which is now available without a prescription) dissolve blackheads and blackheads and help prevent clogged pores. You may notice a change in skin color or flaking. Using retinoids every other day or at the same time as a moisturizer can reduce these side effects.

If your blackheads don't go away with over-the-counter medications, your doctor may recommend the following:

  • prescription retinoids: Prescription retinoids are stronger than over-the-counter retinoids.
  • Oralantibiotics: Oral antibiotics reduce the bacteria that cause blackheads.
  • microdermabrasion: A dermatologist uses a special instrument to "sand" your skin. Removing the top layers of skin unclogs the clogs that cause blackheads.
  • chemical peels: Chemical peels use a mild chemical solution to remove layers of skin and reduce blackheads.
  • Laser skin rejuvenation: Laser Skin Resurfacing directs short, concentrated, pulsating beams of light at your blackheads. The light rays reduce the amount of oil your sebaceous glands produce.

Are there any home remedies for blackheads?

There are some home remedies that can help treat blackheads:

  • Teebaumöl: Tea tree oil can prevent or stop the growth of bacteria. Apply a small amount of tea tree oil to a cotton pad and rub it onto the blackheads.
  • Sugar or salt scrubs: Sugar and salt scrubs scrape off (exfoliate) dead cells on the surface of the skin. Wet your face, apply a salt or sugar scrub to the affected areas, and massage your skin in small circular motions for up to 30 seconds. Rinse your face with water when finished.
  • Green tea: Soaked green tea leaves can help reduce oil production in the skin. Green tea is also an antioxidant. Mix dry green tea leaves with water and massage the wet leaves into your skin in small circular motions for up to 30 seconds. Rinse your face with water when finished.

Do blackheads disappear by themselves?

Sometimes blackheads can disappear on their own - it depends on how deep the blackheads are in your skin. When a blackhead is close to the surface of the skin, it is more likely to go away on its own. However, some blackheads can be deeply rooted in your skin. Deep, sunken blackheads are less likely to disappear on their own. If you have blackheads embedded, a dermatologist or medical beautician can remove them.

Is it good to pop blackheads?

It can be very tempting - and satisfying - to pop or pop blackheads. However, squeezing blackheads can cause a number of problems:

  • You should not remove the entire blackhead.. You may even push the blackhead further into the skin, which can cause painful irritation.
  • You can introduce bacteria or more oil into the opening of the blackhead.. Your blackheads may get bigger or even spread out.
  • inflammation or scar. Your skin is sensitive and your nails are much stronger than your skin. If you apply a lot of pressure to your skin with your nails to remove a blackhead, you can irritate or seriously damage your skin.

How to get rid of deep blackheads?

Deep blackheads must be removed by a doctor - usually a dermatologist or beautician. You use a small tool with hard metal handles at the ends (blackhead or blackhead extractor) to apply even pressure to your blackheads. You can safely remove the entire blackhead and reduce the risk of it coming back.

prevention

How do you avoid blackheads?

Preventing blackheads is difficult, if not impossible, during normal hormonal changes. But a few things can help:

  • Wash your face daily with warm water and a mild facial cleanser.
  • Use a moisturizer regularly.
  • You don't have to stop wearing makeup, but try to use "non-comedogenic" products and remove makeup at the end of each day.
  • Keep your hands away from your face.

Outlook / Forecast

What can I expect if I have blackheads?

Blackheads usually disappear by early adulthood, although some people experience them throughout their lives. Your doctor, esthetician or dermatologist can help you treat your blackheads.

live with

When should I see my doctor about my blackheads?

See your doctor as soon as you notice blackheads to start treatment right away.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

  • How bad are my blackheads?
  • Do I need to see a beautician or dermatologist?
  • What over-the-counter medications do you recommend?
  • Do I need more serious treatment?

A note from the Cleveland Clinic

Blackheads are a common skin condition that affects most people, especially teenagers. As it mostly affects teenagers, many people attribute blackheads as part of the transition from childhood to adulthood and don't consult a doctor about it. Despite their frequency, however, they can have serious effects on your mental health. If you experience symptoms of anxiety or depression due to blackheads, talk to your doctor.

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