Acne is the most common skin disease, affecting as many as 80 percent of people between the ages of 11 and 30, according the National Institutes of Health (NIH). There are several different types of acne, including blackhead pimples, or open comedomes. If you're coping with acne, it's important to know about the kind of acne you're dealing with.
Identification
A blackhead is a particular kind of acne. Like all acne, blackheads are caused when your pores become clogged with oil, dirt or debris. Blackheads occur when the clogged pore opens on the surface of your skin, causing a bump with a black center or "blackhead." The black color is a result of the air affecting the exposed oil. Blackheads can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the face, back, chest, neck and shoulders.
Significance
Blackheads aren't dangerous or contagious, but they can be uncomfortable and unattractive. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), blackheads and whiteheads--which are formed in the same way that blackheads are but stay beneath the surface of the skin, forming a bump with a white center instead of a black one--are the mildest cases of acne.
Misconceptions
Perhaps because of their black centers, many people mistakenly associate blackheads with poor hygiene. But blackheads, like all acne, are caused by clogged pores. Trying to combat blackheads by washing your face more often or scrubbing hard can make blackheads worse.
Prevention/Solution
The best treatment for blackheads according to the National Women's Health Information Center is twice-daily washing with a gentle cleanser. If you wear makeup, remove it completely at the end of the day, and avoid touching your face during the day. If blackheads are an ongoing problem for you, make an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss prescription treatment options--there are several available, including topical and oral medications.
Expert Insight
There are a number of topical over-the-counter treatments for blackheads that can help treat these blemishes, but because there are so many different options--all with different formulations, application guidelines and side effects, the FDA recommends talking with a doctor or dermatologist before using any over-the-counter treatment for blackheads. A professional can help you determine which treatment is best for you.
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