|
What Causes Blackheads?
Blackheads are one
of the three types-of-acne. Acne is caused by excessive oil production
in the sebaceous glands. The secretions are called sebum and this oil
drains into hair follicles. The sebum typically hardens and when it
does close to the surface of the skin, it forms a plug and is known
as a blackhead.
Blackheads named for
their typically dark color, are considered an open comedo. The sebum
plug has reached the surface of the skin. The color of the blackhead
is not caused by dirt, but
by excess skin pigment, debris and skin particles.
Nearly everyone suffers from acne. It is found in both genders, all
races and all ages. Nearly 85% of people between the ages of 12 and
24 will suffer from acne.
While both genders suffer from acne, men are more likely than women
to suffer severe and longer-lasting forms. Women may suffer intermittent
outbreaks linked to their menstrual cycle and pregnancy,
when there are drastic changes to their hormonal levels.
One or all of the following factors causes acne:
- Genetics
- hormones
- Prescribed Medications
- Oil Based cosmetics
- Stress
- Physical irritation
- Humidity and Environmental pollutants
Genetics, inheriting a predisposition towards acne from one's parents,
and hormones (including increased male sex hormones during puberty and
drastic changes in hormone levels in pregnant or menstruating women)
are thought to increase sebaceous gland production. Other causes of
acne include prescribed medications because some drugs, such as lithium
or steroid products, can cause a blockage of the pores
and lead to blackheads,
and some oil-based cosmetics.
Stress, which may contribute to a person's lack of personal hygiene
or caring, and physical irritations such as tight clothing rubbing on
the same spot are also factors that can influence the formation of blackheads.
The weather, including humidity or environmental pollutants, which increase
perspiration and can clog the pores
with mini-particles also add to the factors that can cause acne.
|
Blackheads, as well
as other forms of acne, should not be popped due to opening the area
to injury or scarring from infection. Using pore cleansers that dry
out the excess oils can help. Soaps are usually more than sufficient
for the cause and while pore strips remove the plugs, they do not clean
out the excess sebum. Regular maintenance by washing the skin once or
twice daily helps in keeping the skin clear of excess oil.
Acne cannot be prevented. It is the most common skin disease. In cases
of severe outbreak, a person might seek out a medical opinion and treatment.
There are medications, both topical and internal, that a patient can
take to help clear out their acne. There are no overnight cures for
acne. The goal of treating acne is to reduce the symptoms and prevent
permanent scarring.
When dealing with blackheads,
a person is advised to:
- Avoid squeezing and popping the blackheads
unless under the direct supervision of a medical professional. Squeezing
or popping them can lead to skin trauma and infection.
- Avoid oil-based
cosmetics, which can increase the blockage of pores.
Use water-based cosmetics and wash your face thoroughly each evening.
- Eat a well-balanced diet.
- Wash skin once or twice daily. - If using
medication prescribed by a doctor, understand that it can take as long
as a month before the acne shows signs that it is clearing up.
Other Resources:
BUPA: The Personal Health Service (http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets)
McKinley Health Center Nutrica (Producers of Acne treatments)
|
