Whiteheads are only one type of acne lesion that can form on your skin. Less noticeable than inflamed papules, pustules, nodules and cysts, whiteheads are tiny, slightly raised bumps the same color as your skin and are classified as a mild type of acne. What causes whiteheads on your skin is the same for all other acne lesions.
Causes
Whiteheads and other acne types are driven primarily by hormones released by your body during adolescence. These hormones make your skin secrete more sebum, or oil. Rather than traveling up your hair follicle to the surface of your skin, oil and dead skin cells within the follicle create a plug. Add bacteria into the mix, and inflammation and infection can occur.
Formation
Whiteheads and blackheads are acne lesions known as a "comedo," explains the American Academy of Dermatology. When the plug of dead skin cells and sebum -- essentially, the pore itself -- is open to the skin's surface, this is called an "open comedo," or blackhead. Whiteheads are "closed comedos" -- the pore of the skin is not open at the skin's surface. The difference between comedos and other types of acne lesions is the inflammation factor; a pimple -- a raised, red bump with a white pus-filled cap -- develops when the pore becomes infected. Cysts and nodules result when your pores are blocked deep within the hair follicle, resulting in a larger lesion that's tender and inflamed.
Misconceptions
Whiteheads and other types of acne can become worse if you pick at them or wear hats, caps or scarves flush against your skin, says the Cleveland Clinic. Women may notice breakouts around the time of their menstrual period. Air pollution and high humidity can also make acne worse. However, whiteheads, blackheads and other types of acne lesions aren't caused by dirty skin, says the American Academy of Dermatology. Nor do sugary or greasy foods, such as chocolate or pizza, cause outbreaks.
Treatment
To get rid of whiteheads, wash your face twice a day with a mild facial cleanser. Use only your fingertips, not a washcloth or harsh cleansing pad. Topical acne medications are generally recommended for cases of mild acne, such as whiteheads and blackheads. Active ingredients in over-the-counter acne lotions may include benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, sulfur, salicylic acid or lactic acid, according to MayoClinic.Com. If you use one of these acne treatments, it may be two to four months before you see a reduction in whiteheads and other acne lesions.
