Understanding Whiteheads and Blackheads
Acne starts in a similar way for all, however it can take on different forms and can react in a unique way based on your body’s current conditions.
A basic lesion called the comedo is the begining of acne. The comedo is an enlarged hair follicle plugged with oil and bacteria living under the surface of your skin. It waits for the right conditions, then expands itself into an inflamed pimple. If the skin produces even more oil, the bacteria grows in the swollen follicle. The surrounding skin becomes increasingly inflamed as your white blood cells fight against the intruders.
There are two types of comedos…
A closed comedo is when the plugged follicle stays beneath the surface of the skin, the lesion is called a closed comedo. This usually appears on the skin as microscopic, whitish bumps. This condition is otherwise called as whitehead.
An open comedo is if the plug enlarges and pushes through the surface of the skin, the lesion is called an open comedo. The dark appearance of the plug isn’t due to dirt, however due to the buildup of melanin, the pigmentation element of the skin. This condition is otherwise called as blackhead.