Black heads and pimples form at different times in a skin infection. An acne breakout involves a series of minor and more severe skin infections. Some infections might resolve earlier in the process while others develop into more serious infections.
Formation
All acne or pimples form when a follicle, also called a pore, becomes blocked with oil, according to Acne.org. Normally this oil drains, but when it becomes blocked, it causes bacteria to grow. Two non-inflammatory types of acne can result from this bacterial growth: whiteheads or blackheads.
Appearance
Because whiteheads occur when the trapped oil and bacteria continue to stay beneath the skin's surface, it forms a white spot that is often small and sometimes invisible to the eye. Blackheads occur from the pore opening and release the oil that contains melanin. Melanin, the substance that gives skin its color, oxidizes to a brown or black color, causing the pimple to appear black or brown.
Progression
Blackheads and whiteheads will often just release the oil and bacteria to the surface and start the healing process. If the pore wall ruptures, the whitehead or blackhead forms into a more serious condition called inflammatory acne. This condition presents itself in the form of a papule or pustule. Papules appear as an inflamed looking sore. Pustules, which we often refer to as pimples, form a pus-filled head when the white blood cells under the skin's surface appear on top of the skin's surface.
Causes of Inflammatory Acne
Inflammatory acne typically results from a natural progression of the acne infection. Picking at or touching the blackhead can also cause the pustule, or pimple, to form.
Prevention
To prevent both blackhead and pimple outbreaks, keep your skin clean by washing your face night and day. Use a clean washcloth and wipe your face gently. Keep your hands away from your face. Refrain from touching or popping pimples. Use oil-free and noncomedogenic makeup.
If you contact a dermatologist, he might recommend a prescription drug to treat and prevent outbreaks.
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