Blackheads, also known as comedomes, are a type of acne vulgaris. Other forms of acne include whiteheads, pimples and, in severe cases, pustules and cysts. Blackheads get their name from their dark color, and many believe that blackheads are filled with dirt. In reality, blackheads are filled with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria.
Acne Causes
Acne is caused by hormonal fluctuations. The condition is most common in teens, according to Teen's Health, due to the hormonal changes associated with puberty, but can occur at any age. Acne is also hereditary -- parents with a history of acne are more likely to have children with acne. Hormones stimulate the oil glands in the skin to produce more oil. The excess oil clogs the pores, trapping dead skin cells and bacteria inside.
How Blackheads Form
Blackheads form when the pore becomes only partially blocked and the materials trapped inside work their way toward the surface. The dead skin cells have a pigment called melanin, which is responsible for turning the skin brown during tanning. Because the pore is not fully blocked, air gets inside, the melanin reacts and the trapped skin cells turn black.
Blackheads vs. Whiteheads
Whiteheads have the same materials as blackheads. The difference is that the pore becomes completely blocked, and the materials inside do not migrate to the surface. As a result, the melanin in the trapped skin cells does not turn black.
Blackheads vs. Pimples
Pimples have the same materials as blackheads, except that with pimples the wall of the pore opens, which allows the materials to migrate under the surface of the skin, creating a red, raised bump. If the body reacts to the bacteria, the pimple fills with pus, in addition to the other materials.
Blackheads vs. Nodules and Cysts
Nodules and cysts are caused by oil, cells and bacteria deep within the pore, as opposed to blackheads, which are close to the surface. As with pimples, the walls of the pore open and the bacteria spreads beneath the surface of the skin. Nodules are larger and harder than pimples and prone to scarring. Cysts are similar to nodules, but are larger and filled with pus.
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