Blackheads

Definition

Blackheads are the primary lesions in acne. Blackheads, also known as open comdones, are flat, darkened spots. It is caused by a small plug of keratin and sebum within a hair follicle that is blackened at the surface in the opening of a follicle. Blackheads are small, dark spots which are the collections of oil and debris that clog pores. First of all, when it develops it's called whiteheads - but as they come into contact with the atmospheric oxygen, a chemical reaction takes place and the mixture darkens and turns to blackheads. Unclean skin is a breading ground for blackheads. Blackheads are a mixture of dead cells of the skin, oil and bacteria.

Their dark appearance is caused by the densely packed skin cells, which take on a dark color. A term used to describe the skin's pores clogged by natural oils and impurities. It is formed when oil and dead skin cells become trapped in a pore and mix with bacteria. They are called open comedones because blackheads are open to the skin's surface and become darkened at the surface by exposure to oxygen.

Causes of blackheads

Other possible causes of blackheads are:

• The oil based cosmetics may also induces blackheads due to allergic reactions.
• Stress, is another factor - 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.
• Genetics: If there is the history of blackheads in your family, then you are more prone to get affected by blackheads.
• The condition when hormones get imbalance, they may cause blackheads. Overactivity of testosterone in people prone to blackheads, triggers the sebaceous glands to produce an excess of sebum. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the openings of the hair follicles are not shed properly and clog up the follicles.
• Some prescribed medications may also lead to formation of blackheads as a side effect , though this is a rare cause.
• Physical irritation
• 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 blackheads.

Blackheads are caused when sebum collects and hardens in the pores. The toxins that are being expelled through your skin from the blood and lymph fluid combines with sebum creating a pasty glue. A blackhead occurs when the trapped sebum and bacteria partially open to the surface and turn black due to melanin, the skin's pigment.

Symptoms of Blackheads

Common Symptoms of Blackheads:

• Coarse skin complexion may lead to the condition of blackheads.
• If your skin pores get enlarged, they may inturns to blackheads.
• Flaky skin shows the presence of blackheads.
• Mouldy skin appearance
• Makeup doesn't stay in the skin of peoples, who are suffering from blackheads.
• Blackheads appear in areas of skin that have a large number of sebaceous glands.

Treatment for Blackheads

If you consult some beautician for the treatment of your blackheads, make sure, a sterilized implement is used for removing blackheads. A gadget, known as 'blackhead extractor' is available these days. It should be cleaned regularly and the gadget should be kept in hydrogen peroxide before use.

Some Effective home remedies for removal of Blackheads:

• Oral Antibiotics (tablets), such as tetracycline, can be prescribed for inflammatory blackheads.
• Antibiotics - help stop or slow the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation.
• Apply an astringent. It helps reduce oiliness. If its a bit harsh mix a bit of rose water in it.
• Use creams containing AHAs like glyco-creams that will clear away any dead skin cells and "expose" the blackhead.
• Keep your hair away from your face. Greasy hair and skin go together, and hair can spread infection.
• Avoid washing the face with soaps more than twice a day. Instead you may wash your face many a times in a day but with plain water.
• A drug named " adapalene " does wonder in reducing the blackhead formation by stimulation of skin growth through modulation of cellular differentiation and keratinization of follicular epithelial cells, i.e. it encourages skin peeling.
• Gram Flour and Curd - Apply a paste of gram flour and curd on the affected area. When the mixture hardens and dries up, gently scrap off with your finger tips and wash the face.