Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Treat closed blackheads at home
• Method 2 of 3: Get professional help
• Tips
• Warnings

Closed blackheads, also referred to as "whiteheads" due to their white heads, are a form of acne that usually appears as small, round, white bumps on the skin. This type of acne is caused when sebum and dead skin cells build up on the pore surface and block the opening of the pores. Whiteheads are known by dermatologists as "closed comedones" because they block pores (unlike "blackheads", or "open comedones", where the pores remain open). Like other types of acne, blackheads can be effectively treated at home.

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Method 1 of 3: Treat closed blackheads at home

1. Gently wash the affected area twice daily with a mild soap such as Dove, Sanex or Cetaphil. The acne can worsen if you wash the skin too often, if you scrub the skin too thoroughly, or if you use facial masks or other moisturizing facial cleansers.
2. Apply over-the-counter acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. It is important to wait about five to fifteen minutes after cleansing the skin before applying the topical acne remedies. Applying it right after washing your face will irritate the skin and cause whiteheads.
   • Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria that have lodged in your pores when you have acne. It is part of a wide variety of products, including facial cleansers, lotions and ointments. Apply it gently as it can stain or discolor your clothes.
   • Salicylic acid helps the skin to secrete dead skin cells. This helps open the pores. It can also dry up the excess sebum that causes blackheads. Since it is an acid, it might tingle a bit after you apply it.
   • If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using these agents and contact a dermatologist: skin rash or intense itching, blisters, redness or swelling.
   • Do not over apply! Applying more than the recommended amount will not cleanse the skin any faster. In fact, it can actually irritate the skin and cause redness, inflammation and more blackheads.
3. Apply tea tree oil to the skin to naturally combat closed blackheads. Choose a product that contains at least 5% tea tree oil. Saturate a cotton ball with oil and dab it on the affected area once a day. While this method may take longer (about three months), research has shown that tea tree oil is just as effective in fighting inflammation over time as benzoyl peroxide, but has fewer side effects.
   • If you have eczema or other skin conditions, tea tree oil could further irritate the skin. Be careful not to ingest tea tree oil, as the oil is poisonous when consumed.
   • For slightly faster results, you can apply the tea tree oil twice a day at a time for about 20 minutes and then wash off the skin with a mild cleanser. Continue this treatment for 45 days.
4. Give the medication time to work. Although it is sometimes claimed otherwise, facial cleansing products will not have an effect overnight. It can take six to eight weeks to see improvement and up to six months to have really clear skin. Be patient and stick to your skincare routine.

Method 2 of 3: Get professional help

1. Understand what causes closed blackheads. Closed blackheads are small, bumps on the surface of the skin. They are often the least severe form of acne, but they can occur alongside other types of acne. Whiteheads and other acne outbreaks can have a variety of causes. Knowing how blackheads form can help you choose an appropriate treatment.
   • Hormonal changes in the body, such as those that occur during puberty, during pregnancy, and during menopause, can cause outbreaks. About 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 do develop some type of acne at some point. Medication changes, such as hormonal birth control and certain psychoactive drugs, can also lead to outbreaks.
   • Excess sebum production contributes to whiteheads and other types of acne. Sebum is an oily substance produced in hair follicles that can cause blackheads and other types of acne if the skin absorbs too much of it. Most hair follicles on the body produce sebum, which means that blackheads can appear in several places; and not just on your face.
   • Some people are more genetically predisposed to develop blackheads. White people are more likely to develop whiteheads and other types of acne than other races. The tendency for blackheads can also run in families, so if your parents are bothered by it, it could just be that it will bother you too.
   • Blackheads can be caused by many factors. You cannot treat all of these factors yourself. If your skin is not responding to the home treatments, it is wise to visit the doctor - even if the condition is not too severe. There may be underlying health issues contributing to your blackheads.
2. Examine your skin. If you've treated the whiteheads at home and using topical medications hasn't paid off after four to eight weeks, it is probably time to reassess your situation. The American Academy of Dermatology has put together an online guide that can help you better understand acne symptoms. The test on Acne.nl could also be of service to you. Under no circumstances should this guide / test serve as a substitute for professional advice.
3. Pay a visit to the doctor. If your closed blackheads are very severe or don't respond to home treatment, your doctor may prescribe oral and topical medications that are stronger than the over-the-counter remedies. These drugs usually work within a few weeks. If the whiteheads continue to cause you problems, you can ask your doctor for a referral to a dermatologist.
   • Your doctor might prescribe medications that also contain antibiotics - these can prevent the presence and growth of acne-causing bacteria (propionibacterium acnes) on the skin. Commonly prescribed oral antibiotics include erythromycin, tetracycline and derivatives thereof, and (for women) oral contraceptives. Your doctor may also prescribe topical antimicrobials, such as benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid.
   • With most insurance policies, a referral from the doctor is required to be able to reimburse a visit to the dermatologist. A visit to the dermatologist is often more expensive than a visit to the doctor. To avoid unexpected costs, check your health insurance policy before making an appointment.
4. Ask your doctor about topical retinoids. Related to vitamin A, topical retinoids purify pores, removing whiteheads and preventing them from returning. Minor side effects such as skin irritation may occur. Some variants, including tazarotene, should not be used by pregnant women.
   • There are also over-the-counter skin creams that contain retinoids, but your doctor can prescribe stronger topical medications specifically designed to treat blackheads and other types of acne. It is best to seek the advice of a doctor.
5. Pay a visit to the dermatologist. If your blackheads are not responding to the home or prescription treatments, you should visit a dermatologist. Do the same if you find cysts or nodules (nodules). Nodules are hard, raised bumps under the skin; cysts are blocked pores that are usually large, red, and sensitive. They can both cause permanent scars if you don't get them treated by a professional.
   • Dermatologists have many treatment options available that you cannot perform at home. In addition to topical and oral medicines, depending on the severity of the acne problem, the dermatologist may also recommend laser treatments, chemical peels or even surgery.
6. Have the blackheads removed by a dermatologist. The dermatologist can actually remove the whiteheads and blackheads (open blackheads) using a sterile instrument to loosen the material clogging the pores. The dermatologist can also perform a microdermobrasion peel to remove dead skin cells and open smaller clogged pores.
   • Never try to remove the closed blackheads yourself. Squeezing, pulling, or using tools to remove the blackheads yourself can make the problem worse, as the contents of the blackheads can be driven further into the skin. Trying to remove the blackheads yourself can lead to serious infections and permanent scarring.
7. Ask the dermatologist about isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is a prescription drug that limits the production of sebum, one of the chemicals responsible for pore clogging that causes whiteheads. It also reduces inflammation and the presence of the skin bacteria P. acnes. In about 85% of patients with severe acne, treatment with isotretinoin can permanently clear the skin within four to five months.
   • Istotretinoin is available under the brand names Absorica®, Accutane®, Amnesteem®, Claravis®, Myorisan®, Sotret® and Zenatane ™, and is also available as a generic variety. It is usually administered orally.
   • Isotretinoin has serious potential side effects, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or psychological complaints, which carry the necessary risks. Isotretinoin is therefore probably only prescribed in very severe cases.
   • Due to the severity of some side effects, women taking isotretinoin should not become pregnant. Also, women should not start isotretinoin treatments during pregnancy. In addition, people taking isotretinoin should not donate blood during treatment and should stay out of the sun.
8. Avoid using certain skin care products. Skincare products such as astringents, masks, toners and exfoliating soaps can irritate the skin, making it more prone to whiteheads.
   • Using rubbing alcohol can also irritate the skin and cause whiteheads.
   • Skin care products containing certain oils are also unsuitable if you have acne-prone skin. Many cosmetics and sunblock lotions contain oil that can clog pores and lead to whiteheads.
   • These are the oils to avoid if you have oily or acne-prone skin: coconut oil, cocoa butter, sesame oil, wheat germ oil, shea butter, and sea buckthorn oil.
   • Skincare products that contain oil are usually also not recommended if you suffer from acne easily. Many cosmetics and sunscreen lotions contain oil that can clog pores and lead to blackheads. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using products that are oil-free, don't clog pores, or are dienon comedogenic.
   • Whenever possible, avoid using heavy foundations and cream-based cosmetics as well. These tend to block the pores.
9. Keep oily things away from your face. In addition to avoiding skincare products that contain oil, you can also prevent outbreaks by avoiding greasy or oily hair care products. Try not to touch or pick your face as much as possible (your fingers contain natural skin oils and bacteria that can cause outbreaks).
10. Do not pick at the blackheads or try to squeeze them. While there is a temptation to pick or squeeze them, it can actually further inflame the skin, making the problem worse, potentially causing infection, and slowing recovery. Keep your fingers away!
11. Stay out of the sun. Tanning beds and sunbathing are very popular, but your skin is not so happy with them. Using the tanning bed can increase the risk of skin cancer by 75%. In addition, certain acne remedies can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, which will cause more damage to the skin while sunbathing.
12. Continue your skincare routine. It can be tempting to stop using topical acne remedies once the job is done. However, dermatologists recommend that you continue to use at least one of these topical remedies, even if the skin has already been purified - to prevent future outbreaks. Remember: prevention is better than cure.

Tips

• Shave gently if you have an acne breakout. Soften the hair with warm water and soap before shaving. Shave gently with a sharp blade to avoid damaging or irritating the blackheads - damage and irritation can lead to scarring.
• It is a myth that acne is caused by poor hygiene. It will not be! Blackheads, whether closed or open, can be caused by many things - from stress to allergy to menopause. Don't be ashamed if you get blackheads now and then; everyone gets that from time to time.
• Some people believe acne is caused by diet. However, there is no scientific evidence to show a link between what you eat and the risk of blackheads. Cheese-laden pizza and fatty burgers probably aren't the healthiest of choices, but at least they won't cause acne.

Warnings

• The quality of the acne medication does not rest solely on its price. When purchasing topical acne medications, pay particular attention to the concentration of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Over-the-counter products should contain between 2.5% and 10% benzoyl peroxide and the concentration of salicylic acid should be between 0.5% and 2%. Medicines containing these elements in the recommended concentration will help combat blackheads. It makes no sense to pay more for more upscale brands.
• Avoid skincare treatments that recommend the use of alcohol-based products such as astringents and toners. While these are expensive and claim to work wonders, these types of treatments can inflame the skin and cause outbreaks of blackheads.
• Try the whiteheads never to remove yourself at home. This is because picking, squeezing and removing with instruments can make the problem worse, cause serious infections (including staph) and lead to permanent skin damage and scarring.