| Login | Register
LIVESTRONG.COM Blog: 10 Mistakes People Make in the Gym with DietTribe's Jessie Pavelka
  • Food & Fitness
  • Members

Blackheads

Text size:  |  Print  |   | 

Definition

Blackheads are tiny, dark spots caused by a small plug in the opening of a follicle (pore) on the skin. Blackheads are also called open comedomes . See also: Acne Whiteheads



Alternative names



Causes



Definition

Blackheads are tiny, dark spots caused by a small plug in the opening of a follicle (pore) on the skin. Blackheads are also called open comedomes.

See also:

Content provided by:

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Review Date: 10/28/2008

Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Blackheads Videos

Blackheads Articles

  • Facts on What Causes Blackheads

    Blackheads, or the dark spots that clog pores, are a result of oil that builds up in the sebaceous gland. While not as noticeable as pimples, if you look closely in a lighted mirror or zoom in on...

  • 5 Things You Need to Know About Blackheads

    Blackheads are follicles (pores) that are larger than normal pores. They are referred to as comedones in the medical world. Blackheads occur when excess oil produced naturally by the skin and dead...

  • Homemade Treatment to Get Rid of Blackheads

    ...team your face to open pores and soften blackheads. Fill the sink or a bowl with hot water or boil a pot of water on the stove. Stand over the steaming water so the steam hits your face. Drape a...

  • 5 Things You Need to Know About Squeezing Blackheads

    ...n by "popping" them. However, squeezing blackheads and pimples only makes them look worse. Squeezing causes redness and swelling and may cause bleeding, which can leave you with an unattractive ...

Show More

Images provided by Google

Related Symptoms

  • Blackheads

    Blackheads are tiny, dark spots caused by a small plug in the opening of a follicle (pore) on the skin. Blackheads ar...

Related Diseases

  • Acne

    ... condition characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red pimples or "zits."

Conversations On Blackheads

  • Acne Remedies?


    • Posted On November 5, 2008 09:51:32 AM

      ...cterias multiply. You then get white or blackheads. Plugs can rupture, inflaming the surrounding tissues. Several things can cause excess skin oil: Change in Hormones. Puberty, stress, menstrua... Read More

    • Posted On November 1, 2008 09:10:41 PM

      AHH I'm so frustrated. Nothing I do gets rid of this blotchy face of mine. I wash my face twice a day, 3 times if I go to the gym, I wash it afterwards. But all that washing dries out my skin so I ... Read More

  • Ladies, Share Your Beauty Secrets!


    • Posted On July 25, 2008 06:45:02 PM

      Got blackheads? Dab on milk of magnesia before you go to sleep - it doesn't look too attractive but is an effective treatment for them Read More

    • Posted On July 25, 2008 07:45:19 PM

      [quote="Nix143":1f9a0786]Got blackheads? Dab on milk of magnesia before you go to sleep - it doesn't look too attractive but is an effective treatment for them Got one of those big zits ... Read More

  • So wtf do you actually LIKE about the way you look?????

    We whine We bitch We complain We try to change We constantly battle ourselves But I know each of you look in the mirror once in awhile and go, "damn I look good today" and what is it that m...

    • Posted On October 19, 2007 10:32:15 AM

      ...3. My skin. As much as I complain about blackheads and a bump here or there, I don't think I'd trade my complexion. My hubby deals with acne so if i ever say "ugh i have a pimple" he just stares... Read More

    • Posted On October 19, 2007 10:32:15 AM

      ...3. My skin. As much as I complain about blackheads and a bump here or there, I don't think I'd trade my complexion. My hubby deals with acne so if i ever say "ugh i have a pimple" he just stares... Read More

Blackheads Blogs

Nose Is the Area That Is Very Prone To Blackheads

Blackheads are a very common problem in the teenagers. There are various reasons for the blackheads to occur. The main reason is carelessness. The youth must be hygiene conscious and prevent blackheads. The sebaceous glands secrete sebum which...

Naturally Remove Blackheads and Clogged Pores with Clari-T Pore Cleansing Strips

Earth Therapeutics Clari-T Pore Cleansing Strips use the power of tea tree oil to remove blackheads and deeply clean pores on your nose. Recommended for once a week usage, the strips are applied after first wetting your clean nose, then placing the strip...

In facialists we trust

(Photo Credit -- Getty Images) I discovered today that I am emotionally attached to my facialist. While I am loyal to my manicurist and hairdresser too, there is nothing like placing your trust in someone who extracts your blackheads (in other words...

Back to School Beauty: Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips.

Just as school is in, clean and clear skin is too. Did you know that the average complexion has about 200,000 pores? Did you also know that pores can enlarge up to twice their normal size when clogged? It doesn't sound pretty, now does it. With Biore...

Write for LIVESTRONG.COM

Write for us

Do you work in health, fitness or nutrition? Share your expertise by writing for LIVESTRONG.COM

Learn More

Blackheads Topic Guide

Advisor

Name Your name here

Profession What do you do?

What makes this topic important to you: Did you train for this? Do you work in this profession? Are you affected by this topic?

Is this topic important to you?

Do you know a lot about it? Become a guide and lead the conversation on this topic. Be a Guide

advertisement

Related Topics

Blackheads Images

Members Who Dare

More Members Who Dare

Write for LIVESTRONG.COM

Write for us

Do you work in health, fitness or nutrition? Share your expertise by writing for LIVESTRONG.COM

Learn More

Talk

Tanejane: muahahahaha! i'm going to get rid of you BLACKHEADS! >D

carrieclarissa: NO MORE BLACKHEADS THANKS T MY FACIAL-ER JUNE WHO OSO FOUND OUT Y COMPLEXION BCAME SO JIALAT OUT OF SUDDEN. USED TOO STRONG MOISTURIZER =(

frumpburger: I wanna pick the neck blackheads this guy has!!!

jaytsend: Acne Treatment: Acne Treatment for Blackheads http://bit.ly/7DBl6Q

mikeeangela: my sister brushed my nose...she thought that my blackheads would disappear hahaha

Additional Reading



Tools

The Daily Plate

Track your daily calories. See how many calories you burn and consume.

Body Mass Index

BMI is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight.

LIVESTRONG Loops

Map your local running, cycling, walking and hiking routes and track your calorie burn.

Stay Motivated

Find us on the web, receive emails and use our mobile app to keep you motivated.

Symptom Checker

This tool will help you to decide whether to treat at home or see a doctor.