Whitehead Acne
What Causes Whiteheads?

WHITEHEAD ACNE OVERVIEW

One of the most prevalent skin problems is acne. It affects about 95% of the population at some time during their life. It can present itself in the mildest form of non-inflammatory acne like blackheads and whiteheads or a more severe inflammatory type which involves pimples that contain pus. For the purposes of this article, we'll just address whitehead pimples.


WHAT CAUSES WHITEHEAD ACNE?

There are several major factors that can cause acne to occur.

1. Hormones 2. Excess production of oil 3. Bacteria build-up in the pore 4. Excess shedding of dead skin cells 5. Irritation from medication 6. Irritation from cosmetics 7. Food Allergies 8. Stress

Inside the oil glands, acne-causing bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes) combines with dead skin cells and excess oils. As a result, inflammation and irritation occur and ultimately end in the formation of acne.

As the body produces an excessive amount of sebum (oil) and the dead skin cells do not shed properly, the two join forces to block the pores. This substance solidifies and forms a soft, white plug. If skin covers the pore it is a whitehead; if the pore is open then the top will turn black when exposed to the air and a blackhead will form.

Be sure to treat whiteheads and blackheads before P.acnes has an opportunity to grow inside of the plug. Once this occurs, inflammation and irritation will result and non-inflammatory acne (whiteheads and blackheads) will become inflammatory rearing its ugly head and presenting itself in the form of pimples.


WHITEHEAD ACNE - WHAT ARE WHITEHEADS?

Blackheads and whiteheads are the mildest form of acne. As mentioned above, whiteheads form when the hair follicle becomes plugged with the excess oil and skin cells. Whiteheads are little bumps that are white in color. Although they are just below the skin's surface, they do create a "bumpy" appearance on the surface which can easily be seen and felt.

Because they are so small and you can easily feel them, it certainly prompts the compulsion to pick. However, this is only going to irritate and possibly scar the skin. Whiteheads do not respond to picking; remember they have a "protective" layer of skin covering them. They are not sitting on top of the skin, ripe for the picking.


WHITEHEAD ACNE - 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
What Causes Whiteheads
White Heads
Whitehead Pimples
Whitehead Treatment