Whiteheads are small white raised areas on the surface of one’s skin. The are comprised of dead skin cells, oil and bacteria that become clogged inside the individual’s pores. Blackheads are tiny dark spots that are also the result plugged pores.
Both blackheads and whiteheads are symptoms of acne, and typically appear most often on one’s shoulders and face, although their presence may also occur on the torso, buttocks, legs or arms. Acne most often afflicts teenagers, although individuals of any age can suffer from the condition.
Treatment for blackheads and whiteheads is dependent upon the severity of the breakout. Such remedies usually include gels or lotions which are applied directly to the blemishes. These are generally referred to as topical acne treatments. Oral medication such as antibiotics may also be recommended if topical remedies prove ineffective. Acne often frustrates its victims and as previously mentioned, it can affect people of all ages. The presence of acne can cause one to feel self-conscious. However, treatment for whiteheads and blackheads is available, allowing one to regain his or her lost self-esteem.
Whiteheads and blackheads are types of acne, both of which involve pores that have become plugged with oil, dirt and bacteria. Blackheads often resembled a speck of dirt on the surface of one’s skin. However, in reality the dirt and bacteria are located just below the skin’s surface inside the pore. Whiteheads often contain a material that resembles pus, causing many individuals to squeeze them in order to remove this substance from their skin.
Cleansing
One of the simplest ways to deal with whiteheads and blackheads is a thorough daily cleansing of the face with a mild cleanser. This action will eliminate the presence of makeup, dirt, oil and dead cells. The fingertips should be used to massage the mild soap onto damp skin, which should then be rinsed thoroughly with warm water. Harsh scrubbing will only aggravate the condition.
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Acne Remedies
If daily cleansing fails to alleviate one’s symptoms, medicated creams may be necessary. Over-the-counter treatments containing benzoyl peroxide will usually kill bacteria and eliminate blemishes. Creams containing salicylic acid will typically slough off dead cells and prevent the formation of new blemishes. Creams containing sulfur or esorcinol may also prove helpful. It generally takes several months before one can tell if an over-the-counter remedy has offered any long-term benefits.
Prescription Medications
If one is dealing with particularly stubborn acne, he or she may need a prescription treatment. Tretinoin is often recommended by dermatologists due to its ability to unclog pores. It is a Vitamin A derivative and speeds up the elimination of dead skin cells. If bacteria is the cause of one’s acne, a topical antibiotic such as clindamycin or erythromycin are usually beneficial.
Proper Use of Medication
In many cases, acne medications require continual use to obtain optimum benefits. Certain prescriptions may be discontinued over time, but benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid should be used on a daily basis or blemishes may come back. Consistency is important with regard to the successful treatment of whiteheads and blackheads.
Both blackheads and whiteheads are symptoms of acne, and typically appear most often on one’s shoulders and face, although their presence may also occur on the torso, buttocks, legs or arms. Acne most often afflicts teenagers, although individuals of any age can suffer from the condition.
Treatment for blackheads and whiteheads is dependent upon the severity of the breakout. Such remedies usually include gels or lotions which are applied directly to the blemishes. These are generally referred to as topical acne treatments. Oral medication such as antibiotics may also be recommended if topical remedies prove ineffective. Acne often frustrates its victims and as previously mentioned, it can affect people of all ages. The presence of acne can cause one to feel self-conscious. However, treatment for whiteheads and blackheads is available, allowing one to regain his or her lost self-esteem.
Whiteheads and blackheads are types of acne, both of which involve pores that have become plugged with oil, dirt and bacteria. Blackheads often resembled a speck of dirt on the surface of one’s skin. However, in reality the dirt and bacteria are located just below the skin’s surface inside the pore. Whiteheads often contain a material that resembles pus, causing many individuals to squeeze them in order to remove this substance from their skin.
Cleansing
One of the simplest ways to deal with whiteheads and blackheads is a thorough daily cleansing of the face with a mild cleanser. This action will eliminate the presence of makeup, dirt, oil and dead cells. The fingertips should be used to massage the mild soap onto damp skin, which should then be rinsed thoroughly with warm water. Harsh scrubbing will only aggravate the condition.
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Acne Remedies
If daily cleansing fails to alleviate one’s symptoms, medicated creams may be necessary. Over-the-counter treatments containing benzoyl peroxide will usually kill bacteria and eliminate blemishes. Creams containing salicylic acid will typically slough off dead cells and prevent the formation of new blemishes. Creams containing sulfur or esorcinol may also prove helpful. It generally takes several months before one can tell if an over-the-counter remedy has offered any long-term benefits.
Prescription Medications
If one is dealing with particularly stubborn acne, he or she may need a prescription treatment. Tretinoin is often recommended by dermatologists due to its ability to unclog pores. It is a Vitamin A derivative and speeds up the elimination of dead skin cells. If bacteria is the cause of one’s acne, a topical antibiotic such as clindamycin or erythromycin are usually beneficial.
Proper Use of Medication
In many cases, acne medications require continual use to obtain optimum benefits. Certain prescriptions may be discontinued over time, but benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid should be used on a daily basis or blemishes may come back. Consistency is important with regard to the successful treatment of whiteheads and blackheads.
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