White Heads: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

What is a Whitehead? Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | Purplle

Clean and healthy skin is the ultimate goal for everyone. But, at times, even with a good skincare routine, certain lifestyle changes and products can trigger acne, scarring, blackheads and whiteheads. The list just goes on. In this blog, let’s focus on whiteheads, their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
 

What are whiteheads? 

Whiteheads are small bumps or pockets of cysts that contain sebum or pus. Whiteheads mostly occur in small clusters and can bring down your confidence. While a typical blackhead can be easily extracted or pushed out, whiteheads are formed within the pores due to excess sebum and dirt, including bacteria formation. 

What causes whiteheads?

Whiteheads are mainly caused by excess sebum. Sebaceous glands are found in every part of your body. But mostly near the hair follicles. When there is increased sebum production, the oily excretion is trapped in the pores or hair follicles. This causes inflammation. Also, this becomes a good spot for bacterial growth, due to which your White Blood Cells start to fight off, causing pockets which we know as pus. Thus, whiteheads are filled with white pus.  

1. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes, especially during puberty, can cause excess sebum production, which clogs your pores and leads to the growth of whiteheads. The whiteheads caused by hormonal changes are mostly found on your T zones and the lower area of the face, like the cheeks and jawline.

2. Pollution

Pollution causes a lot of oxidative damage to your skin and leaves behind dust and debris, which settle into your pores. These pollutants infect the pores and become a breeding place for bacteria, thus causing whiteheads or pimples.

3. Pregnancy

Women who are through their first and second trimesters experience an increase in the androgen hormone level, leaving their skin waxy and oily. This oil clogs the pores and leads to breakouts and inflammation.

4. Stress

Stress is the leading cause of many skin- and health-related issues. When you undergo stress, your body releases a hormone called cortisol, which can also trigger oiliness in the skin. This causes a combination of skin issues like whiteheads, pimples and red bumps.

5. Menstruation

During menstruation, the progesterone and oestrogen levels in your body drop. This drop in the hormones can trigger excess sebum, clogging your pores and resulting in breakouts. The hormones can also make your skin inflamed and cause painful acne.

Where do whiteheads appear?

Whiteheads can appear anywhere on the body. Your chin, nose and forehead are the most affected areas, as that’s where your T zone is. The T zone is naturally a very oily area, and certain stress factors can cause the development of whiteheads instantly.

Whiteheads also appear on your:

• Back
• Chest
• Arms
• Shoulders

How to treat whiteheads?

1. Topical retinoids

Topical retinoids are among the most common treatments for whiteheads. They are used to prevent acne by preventing the clogging of pores. However, it usually takes up to 3 months for the retinoids to completely eradicate whiteheads. Suppose you are using this method to treat whiteheads. In that case, it is absolutely necessary to wear a good amount of sunscreen regularly, as retinoids leave your skin more sensitive to sun damage.

2. Oral antibiotics

Oral antibiotics are also another way to treat whiteheads. The antibiotics destroy the acne-causing bacteria on your skin and reduce any redness or inflammation. Sometimes, your doctor may also prescribe oral birth control pills to reduce whiteheads.

3. Healthy eating

The foods that you eat can directly affect your skin. And certain foods can raise your blood sugar levels, causing your skin to produce more sebum. The spikes in blood sugar levels can also increase the risk of inflammation and acne. The foods that trigger whiteheads are sugar, white bread, pasta, and white rice. Practising healthy eating and following a diet of whole grains, unprocessed vegetables and fruits, legumes, and antioxidant-rich foods can reduce blood sugar spikes, thereby lowering whitehead triggers.

How to prevent whiteheads?

1. Oral & topical medicines

Oral and topical medicines are the best treatments for whiteheads, but there are also many options to minimise the risk of more whiteheads, especially by making a few lifestyle changes. 

2. Use non-comedogenic & oil-free products

As we know, whiteheads are caused mainly by excess sebum on the skin. In this case, using moisturisers and lotions with oils can relatively increase the amount of sebum, thus clogging your pores. If you are susceptible to whiteheads or acne, always make sure that you use oil-free and non-comedogenic products.

3. Mild cleansers

Washing your skin regularly is also a significant step in leaving your skin clearer and preventing any dirt or debris from clogging the pores. However, you should never use a harsh cleanser, as it might strip the natural oils and moisture off your skin, activating your skin to produce even more sebum to fight the dryness. If you have acne-prone skin, refrain from using harsh scrubbing products or exfoliating your skin frequently.

4. Good skincare

According to the type of your skin, following a good skincare routine is also a vital aspect to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Using the wrong products on your skin can irritate and worsen acne triggers.

Conclusion

Whiteheads are acne caused by excess sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells trapped in your pores. They pop up when you don’t expect them and can bring down your confidence and rob you of the dream of achieving clear-looking skin. 

Although whiteheads are annoying, they can be easily prevented by taking specific measures and a few treatment options. Purplle features a wide range of non-comedogenic and acne-clearing products that work on your whiteheads like a charm. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the best face cleanser for acne-prone skin?

Ans. The Dermafique Acne Avert Cleansing Mousse Facewash is an oil-free, dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic and soap-free face wash specifically curated for oily to acne-prone skin.

Q2. Is it okay to pop your whitehead/pimple?

Ans. Popping can delay the healing process and make the pimple/whitehead more inflamed. Thus it is always best to leave it alone.

Q3. Can whiteheads be extracted? 

Ans. Yes, whiteheads can be extracted, but only by a cosmetologist.

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