What are blackheads?

Blackheads are not very different from whiteheads. They are usually yellowish or black in color. The difference in color is obvious; besides, blackheads are open and are much larger as compared to whiteheads. Also, hair follicles are involved in their formation. Blackheads are formed when hair follicles get blocked. They differ in color because they are open. This allows the material inside them to get oxidized and this is what gives them the characteristic color. This happens due to sebum and dead skin cells. Blackheads are also known as open condones. They are formed even before bacteria invade them. They occur in all age groups, but like any other type of acne, they are more prevalent in adolescents. Blackheads are tiny and difficult to locate. They can occur anywhere on the body.

The most susceptible areas are the nose, forehead, upper lip, chin and the back. They also occur in areas which are not cleaned thoroughly while bathing, for example behind the shoulders and the back. Blackheads are caused by excessive secretion of oil by the sebaceous glands. They also result from hormonal imbalance especially during menstruation, puberty and stress. Increase in the levels of certain hormones increases oil production.