What Causes Whiteheads
Causes Of Whiteheads

WHAT CAUSES WHITEHEADS - OVERVIEW

Although acne affects many people into adulthood, the first onset usually occurs during puberty. In fact, when we think of acne, visions of teens come to our mind rather than adult men and women, let alone middle aged individuals. However, acne does not discriminate. It will take up residence in males and females alike, while also finding a home in all the different races. No one is exempt from the ravages that acne can leave in its wake.


WHAT CAUSES WHITEHEADS

There are three main factors that contribute to the cause of whiteheads and other forms of acne. They are an excessive amount of oil being produced by the skin's oil glands, the clogging of the pores, and the acne-causing bacteria known as P.acnes (Propionibacterium acnes).

As mentioned above, acne generally makes its presence known in those early teen years when the androgen hormone increases. This causes the sebaceous glands to be stimulated and produce additional oil. Other triggers include stress, pharmaceuticals, and hormonal fluctuations such as menopause, pregnancy or the monthly menses. The clogged pores result from the excess oil adhering to the dead skin cells and other debris that becomes trapped. An impaction plug of waxy oil then forms and blocks the hair follicles, which is known as a microcomedone. This in turn starts the non-inflammatory acne formation which can either be whiteheads (milia or closed comedones) or blackheads (open comedones).

When bacteria come onto the scene and enter the pore, inflammatory acne results. The follicle wall then ruptures, inflammation occurs, and red pimples known as papules and/or pimples with pus (pustules) then form. If they are deep within the skin, a nodule will form and if infection becomes trapped inside the membrane a cyst will form.


WHITEHEADS - ADDITIONAL READING OPTIONS

If you are interested in reading some other articles related to whiteheads, then click on one of the following links listed below:

Get Rid Of Whiteheads
Removing Whiteheads
Treatment For Whiteheads
What Are Whiteheads
White Heads
Whitehead Acne
Whitehead Pimples
Whitehead Treatment