Whitehead

Whiteheads

Whiteheads are composed of lipids/oils and sebum, that combine with cellular fragments. Because whiteheads tend to be more solid than liquid, they plug the hair follicles and grow in size, sometimes developing into painful acne cysts. Whiteheads are closed from the skin's surface by cellular debris at the follicle opening. Because they have no contact with oxygen, they do not oxidize or turn brown, as blackheads do. They form a light or yellow-white lump and are called milia (or milium, singular). Bacteria enters the follicles, leading to acne infections, especially cystic acne.

Cause of whiteheads

The exact cause of Whitehead or Blackhead Acne is unknown, However many doctors and scientists believe that they result from several related factors. One main factor is the increased production of androgens (male hormones) in both boys and girls during puberty.

These hormones in turn cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum (oil). The oil is secreted to the surface of your skin through tiny pores. Blackhead and Whitehead acne is the direct result if these pores becoming clogged with dead skin and infected by bacteria.

Difference between blackhead and whitehead

They both are clogged pores, however a blackhead known as an open comedone, takes on a darker color because the sebum and debris have oxidized. A whitehead, known as a closed comedone, has not reached the surface and has not oxidized (a reaction when a substance hits oxygen). There are also pustules where inflammation and pus (infection) are present. A papule is a red, inflamed bump with no noticable pus.