Acne lesions are either inflammatory -- containing bacteria -- or non-inflammatory, meaning they do not contain bacteria. Examples of non-inflammatory lesions are blackheads and whiteheads. Whiteheads are raised bumps characterized by a white head that may have a red base, according to Acne.org. A blackhead may be slightly raised or flat with the skin and have a black dot that resembles the tip of a pen. While neither contains bacteria, several key differences exist between these two lesion types. Knowing the difference may help you to better prevent and treat them.
Differences
Like blackheads, whiteheads contain oil and dead skin cells. However, whiteheads are known as closed comedones, according to Medline Plus. This means that the skin is closed over the whitehead, thus the pore's contents are below the skin. Conversely, blackheads are known as open comedones. This means the pore's contents are exposed to the air, according to Acne.org.
Clogging
The level of clogging in the pore determines whether a whitehead or blackhead will form, according to Acne.org. Whiteheads are completely clogged pores whose contents are trapped under the surface. Blackheads, however, are pores that are not completely clogged. This results in some dirt and oil being exposed to the air. When these particles react with the air, they turn black, giving a blackhead its appearance.
Expert Insight
One blackhead or whitehead is known as a comedo. The difference between a blackhead and whitehead can be seen underneath the pores. "The anatomical difference between an open and closed comedo is the dilation of the skin," according to Dr. Mark Lees, a skincare specialist and author on LNEOnline, an online magazine for skincare and spa professionals. However, a blackhead and whitehead begin similarly, according to Lees. "They begin as a build-up of dead epidermal cells on the walls of the follicle. This phenomenon is known as retention hyperkeratosis, a hereditary condition in which the cells do not shed normally, thus forming a 'build-up' lining the follicle."
Prevention/Treatment
A good daily skincare routine can help to prevent the onset of blackheads and whiteheads. Wash your skin twice daily to remove dirt and oils, according to Lees. Avoid applying products to the face that contain oil -- use products labeled as "non-comedogenic" instead. Exfoliate the skin once per week to continue to remove dead skin cells. If you do experience whiteheads and/or blackheads, apply an acne treatment product to encourage dead skin and oil shedding, such as those that contain alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Take care when applying these creams to a whitehead because the head can rupture easily. Rupturing the head exposes the pore to bacteria, which should be avoided.
Warning
Refrain from picking or popping a whitehead or blackhead, according to Acne.org. Doing so can rupture the hair follicle of the skin, allowing bacteria to invade the skin cell. Bacteria present in the pores is known as inflammatory acne, which can cause larger lesions, pain and skin scarring and should be avoided whenever possible.
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