Blackheads occur when skin pores becomes clogged with a mixture of oil, dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria. Blackheads may become infected and inflamed if you pick at them or attempt to remove them incorrectly. As bacteria continue to multiply and inflammation increases, these infected blackheads may become large and painful and are likely to scar without treatment. Reducing the size of infected blackheads involves minimizing inflammation, preventing further irritation and treating the underlying causes of the breakout.
Step 1
Keep your hands off your skin. Picking at or squeezing blackheads increases skin irritation and can result in permanent tissue damage. Moreover, by touching your skin with oily or dirty fingers, you may worsen breakouts or trigger new ones.
Step 2
Wash your face using lukewarm water and a mild, noncomedogenic soap. Allow your skin to air dry and then apply a water-based moisturizer designed for acne-prone skin.
Step 3
Apply a topical hydrocortisone cream to severely inflamed spots. This medication is sold over the counter and can help reduce the size of infected blackheads. An injection of corticosteroid, administered by a health care professional, may be necessary in very severe cases.
Step 4
Use over-the-counter topical acne treatments to break up the blackheads and open your pores. Creams, gels, lotions and washes that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol and sulfur are commercially available.
Step 5
Ask your dermatologist for a prescription-strength medication if over-the-counter topical treatments fail to clear up your skin. Topical antibiotics can help clear up the infection, and other medications are available to reduce inflammation and dry up excess oil. Retinoids, such as tretinoin, are effective at reducing the size of infected blackheads.
Step 6
Try an oral medication, such as an antibiotic, oral retinoid or hormonal medication, if your doctor thinks your skin may benefit from these drugs. Oral retinoids pose a very serious risk of birth defects and are not suitable for women who may be pregnant or who may become pregnant during treatment.
Step 7
Undergo phototherapy to treat infected blackheads that are not responding to other treatment options. While phototherapy does not work in all cases, some people respond favorably and notice a quick improvement in their skin. Tell your doctor if you are using retinoids before undergoing phototherapy.
Things You'll Need
- Noncomedogenic soap
- Moisturizer
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Acne cream
Member Comments