Blackheads Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Blackheads are basically formed due to the blockage of skin pores. The blockage occurs due to a buildup of oil and dead skin cells. Blackheads generally appear on the face. However, blackheads can also appear on the neck, chest, shoulders, back and arms.
Blackheads are small spots or sometimes very small bumps. Basically, these spots are harmless. However, this is quite disturbing when there are a lot of appearances and can reduce the confidence of people who experience it.
Even though it occurs more often in teenagers, in fact blackheads can be experienced by anyone. Several conditions can make a person more prone to blackheads, such as:
- Hormonal changes due to drugs
- History of acne in the elderly
- Contact with moisturizers that contain a lot of oil
- Skin friction with other objects such as telephones, masks, helmets
- Stress psikis
There are several types of comedones, namely:
- Blackheads. Small spots or bumps that are very small and black in color. This type does not hurt because there is no inflammation.
- Whiteheads. These spots occur because the hair follicles are completely blocked.
- Makrokomedo. This type includes whiteheads with a larger size, which is around 2-3 millimeters.
- Microcomedo. Blackheads are very small and invisible to the eye.
- Solar comedones. This type appears a lot on the cheeks and chin or parts that are often exposed to the sun – especially in the elderly.
Blackheads that are infected with bacteria can develop into pimples. If not resolved, acne can expand or grow to a large enough size, which is called a node.
Symptoms
Blackheads are generally first recognized by the presence of facial freckles due to widening of the skin pores. These spots can be:
- White, if the skin over the blackheads remains closed
- Black, when the skin above it is open so that it experiences oxidation
Reason
The formation of comedones is caused by two things, namely:
- Excess oil production in the skin
- Clogged skin pores due to oil and dead skin cells
Both of these cause widening of the skin pores. As a result, the pores appear larger than the surrounding normal skin area.
There are several things that can trigger the growth of blackheads, such as:
- Hair follicle irritation that causes dead skin cells not to be shed regularly.
- There are hormonal changes that cause increased oil production in the skin. It usually occurs when a person is menstruating and is experienced by many teenagers.
- Taking drugs –such as birth control pills or steroids.
- Use of products with certain chemicals – such as hair oil, hair dye, pomade, and so on.
- Consumption of certain foods – such as foods with a high glycemic index.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of comedones is determined by physical examination. If you find lots of dots or spots or very small bumps that are located in the pores of the skin, chances are that these are blackheads.
Blackheads can be white or black. Blackheads that are open and exposed to air will experience oxidation so that they are black. While closed comedones will appear white.
Treatment
Blackheads can be overcome by keeping the skin clean. Washing your face should be done twice using the right soap according to your skin type. Make sure you clean your face after using cosmetics.
Apart from that, you can also use some medicines under the supervision of a doctor. These drugs can be in the form of topical drugs, corticosteroids, or antibiotics.
Several actions can also be performed by a dermatologist to get rid of blackheads that don’t go away, such as:
- Handling with manual tools. The doctor will clear the blockage that causes blackheads with a special tool made of metal.
- Microdermabrasion. The doctor will clear the blockage that causes blackheads with a special tool that resembles a tube and has a rough texture on the surface of the end of the tube.
- Chemical peels. The purpose of this therapy is to exfoliate dead skin cells. When dead skin cells are exfoliated, blackheads are usually lifted and the skin is smooth again.
- Laser. The goal is to reduce excess oil production on the skin and kill bacteria that can cause inflammation in clogged pores.
Prevention
To prevent blackheads from forming, you should keep your skin and objects that stick to your skin clean, such as phones, helmets or cosmetic equipment. Wash your face at least twice a day and after using cosmetics
In addition, stress management is also considered important for those who often experience blackheads due to psychological stress.