WHITEHEADS

Whiteheads, which are very common, affect your skin’s neck, back, chest, and face. There are many causes of whiteheads, including excessive oily skin and hair follicle irritation. Whiteheads are most common in adolescents but can also occur at any age.

OVERVIEW

Whiteheads and mild scarring on the surrounding skin.

What is a whitehead?

Whiteheads can be a form of acne (acne vulgaris). Dead skin and oil can close hair follicles and sebaceous glands (oil glands) and create a closed bump on the skin (comedo plural).

What does a whitehead look like?

Whiteheads appear as small bumps on the skin. They can appear yellowish or white.

What’s the difference between blackheads and whiteheads?

Whiteheads and blackheads are both comedones. Blackheads refer to open bumps on your skin. Although they look like dirt, the dark spots are actually caused by irregular light reflections from the clogged hair follicle. Closed bumps on the skin are called whiteheads. They can appear yellowish or white.

Who are whiteheads?

Whiteheads are most common in teenagers and young adults who have undergone hormonal changes. Many adults have whiteheads even after they are older, in their 30s and 40s. Many people develop whiteheads as adults.

What are the chances of whiteheads being common?

Whiteheads are quite common. Researchers believe that whiteheads can affect almost everyone at one time in their lives. Whiteheads are most common in adolescence. However, 10% to 20% of adults also have them.

What do whiteheads do to my body?

Whiteheads are most common on the face, especially your nose, forehead, cheeks, and forehead. Oil glands can be found all over the body. Oil glands produce sebum, an oily lubricant that keeps your hair and skin hydrated. Whiteheads can sometimes form on your genitals (penis, vulva), thighs, arms, legs, and ears.

Whiteheads are not likely to have a serious impact on your physical health. However, they can be psychosocially (how society and other groups influence your mind) or psychological (your self-perception and behavior). Sometimes, they are associated with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and suicidal ideas.

SYMPTOMS & CAUSES

What are the signs?

Whiteheads are milder forms of acne. Whiteheads have yellowish or white bumps as their main characteristic. You may feel them slightly tender, or they may not be there at all.

What causes whiteheads

The Sebaceous and other glands can be found all over the body. Most of them connect to Hair follicles. Whiteheads are caused by inflammation of a hair follicle/sebaceous. The following can cause inflammation:

Sebum production has increased (oily material that is produced by the glands).
Keratin abnormal formation (the protein that makes your hair, skin, and nails)
Acne is caused by an increased amount of bacteria on the skin.

Is it possible for whiteheads to be contagious?

Whiteheads can’t be transmitted to others. They can’t be transmitted from skin-to-skin contact.

DIAGNOSIS AND TEST

How can whiteheads be diagnosed?

Whiteheads can be easily identified, so you don’t necessarily have to consult a doctor to diagnose them. Blackheads can look darker because of the presence of air. Whiteheads don’t get air, so they appear yellowish or white. For treatment of whiteheads and other severe forms, consult a dermatologist. Dermatologists specialize in skin, hair, and nail conditions.

TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT

What can you do to treat whiteheads?

Whiteheads can be removed with non-prescription medication. These medications are:

Salicylic acid: is an over-the-counter product that can be used to treat whiteheads. It can be used as a lotion or cleanser. It removes the top layer of skin damage. Salicylic acid is a chemical that dissolves dead skin cells. This prevents hair follicle clogging.
Azelaic Acid: This natural acid can be found in a variety of grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It reduces the swelling and kills microorganisms.
Benzoyl Peroxide: is an over-the counter product that can be used as a gel or shampoo. It is known to attack surface bacteria which can often lead to acne. Your skin will be less sensitive to lower concentrations of the wash and more gentle formulations. Dryness is a common side effect.
Retinoids: Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives. Retinoids such as Retin A(r), Tazorac (r) and Differin (r), both break down whiteheads and blackheads, and prevent clogged pores. There may be a slight change in your skin’s color or peeling. These side effects can be reduced by using retinoids every two days or using them in conjunction with a moisturizer.

Your healthcare provider, or a medical aesthetician, may recommend that you try non-prescription medication to get rid of your whiteheads.

Prescription-strength retinoids: Prescription-strength retinoids are stronger than non-prescription retinoids.
Oral Antibiotics: These oral antibiotics lower the bacteria that causes blackheads.
Microdermabrasion: A dermatologist uses an instrument to “sand” your skin. The clogs that can cause whiteheads are removed by removing the skin’s top layers.
Chemical Peels : Chemical Peels use mild chemicals to remove skin layers and reduce whiteheads.
Laser Skin Resurfacing : Laser Skin Resurfacing directs concentrated, pulsating beams to your whiteheads. Your sebaceous glands produce less oil with the light beams.

Do you need to squeeze whiteheads

It can be tempting to pop whiteheads. It would be better if you didn’t squeeze your whiteheads. Whiteheads squeezed too hard can lead to many problems.

Bacteria may be introduced to the whitehead opening. An infection can be caused by bacteria.
You may irritate your skin. Your skin is delicate and your nails can cause irritation. Inflammation can be caused by using your nails to press on your skin to pop a whitehead.
You may scar your skin. If you use too much pressure, your skin can be seriously damaged. You may not be able to extract whiteheads if they are deeply embedded in your skin.

Are whiteheads able to go away by themselves?

Whiteheads usually disappear on their own. However, it is possible for them to take up to seven days. It is better to consult a healthcare provider immediately you notice whiteheads. Follow their treatment recommendations.

How do I deal with my whiteheads

Whiteheads can be irritating so make sure you take care of them. This can be done by:

Avoid touching or picking at whiteheads.
Be careful when shaving your whiteheads.
Cleaning all items that touch your face regularly, such as your phone, sunglasses, sports helmets, clothing, and pillowcases.

PREVENTION

What can I do to prevent whiteheads from happening?

Whiteheads can be prevented by hormonal changes. There are some things that can help.

Use warm water and mild cleanser to wash your face every day.
Use moisturizer on a regular basis.
It doesn’t mean you have to stop using make-up. However, it is a good idea to try noncomedogenic products and to remove any makeup at the end each day.
Regularly wash your hair.
Hair products should be kept away from your face.
Do not touch your face with your hands.

OUTLOOK/PROGNOSIS

What should I do if I have whiteheads

Whiteheads usually disappear in the twenties, but some people may experience them for their entire lives. Whiteheads can be managed by your doctor, dermatologist or medical aesthetician.

LIVING WITH

What time should I consult my healthcare provider regarding my whiteheads

To get treatment started immediately, see your healthcare provider as soon you notice whiteheads.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

What are the consequences of my whiteheads?
Do I have to visit a dermatologist or medical aesthetician?
Which over-the-counter medicines do you recommend?
Do I require more severe treatment?

Note from the Cleveland Clinic

Whiteheads, a common skin condition, affects most people, particularly adolescents. Whiteheads are mainly a problem for adolescents and many people don’t think they should be treated. They can be very detrimental to your mental health, even though they are common. Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms such as anxiety or depression caused by whiteheads.