Acne is a very common skin condition that occurs when there is too much oil on your skin, hair follicles are irritated, or both. It commonly affects adolescents, but it can happen at any age. There are a variety of causes of acne, including greasy skin and hair follicle irritation.
A whitehead occurs as a closed bump on your skin. A whitehead is a type of acne (acne vulgaris). Sebum and dead skin form over the hair follicle or sebaceous gland and create a pimple.
Here is everything you need to know about whiteheads.
What Are Whiteheads?
Whiteheads are a form of acne (acne vulgaris). They are a closed, non-red bump on the skin. The bump is formed by a plug of oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. Whiteheads are not a serious skin condition and they generally go away on their own, without treatment. They can also be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) products.
Whiteheads form in the follicle of your hair. The follicle becomes plugged with oil and dead skin cells and bacteria. Whiteheads can also form in other pores on your skin, like your nose.
Whiteheads vs. Blackheads
Whiteheads are very similar to blackheads. However, whiteheads are formed when there is a plug-in the follicle of your hair. Whiteheads are not pimples – they are closed bumps on your skin.
Blackheads are an open form of acne. The blackhead is formed when a pore cannot contain all of the oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria then come to the surface of the skin. The top of the blackhead is often the darkest, boldest color.
Causes of Whiteheads
Whiteheads can occur in a variety of ways. Some common causes include:
1) Greasy Skin
Whiteheads form when your skin is greasy. This is when there is an overproduction of oils on your skin. The excess oils are then trapped in the hair follicles.
2) Hormones
Hormones can cause an overproduction of sebum, which causes whiteheads. This is a common cause among teenagers. It is recommended that teenagers use an acne treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide.
Should You Pick on Whiteheads?
Have you ever found a whitehead and thought about popping it? You are not alone – most people do this. Picking a whitehead will cause it to become an open, red pimple.
Picking a whitehead can also cause it to spread to the surrounding skin. This is called a breakout. It can also cause the whitehead to become more inflamed. It can also result in scarring.
What Are the Symptoms of Whiteheads?
If you have whiteheads, you will notice a small, closed bump on your skin. You can commonly find whiteheads on or near your nose or your forehead.
Whiteheads can also form in other hair follicles on your skin.
Conclusion
Whiteheads are not a serious skin condition. However, they are a type of acne and can be treated with OTC products. Remember that you should not pick on whiteheads. If you do choose to pop a whitehead, you risk scarring your skin.
Treat your whiteheads with the help of Healing Bark. We have a selection of skincare products, including an acne mask treatment for your pimples. Visit our online store to see for yourself.