Black head

A black head (technically known as a comedo) is a yellowish, reddish (with white cap) or blackish bump or plug on a skin. It is caused by excess oils that have accumulated in the sebaceous gland's duct. Black heads are typically caused by excessive oil, make up and dirt. The substance found in these bumps mostly consists of keratinand modified sebum(an oily secretion of the sebaceous gland) [1].

Factors that cause black heads:

• Lack of waterin your system
• Excess dead cells blocking the opening to the pore
• Excess production of facial oil
• Improper cleansing routine, facial oil not being removed
• Use of products/makeup (foundations, sunscreens, and moisturizers) that may contain too much oil

Treatment

• Removal of the skin bumps or plugs by a dermatologistor certified beautician or by oneself (if possessing the skills to do so)
• Application of benzoyl peroxide, found in Clearasilcream and other anti-acne products.
• Frequent, thorough cleansing of the skin with quality facial products.
• Removal by using adhesive facial strips.
• Using a steel black head remover tool.
• In cases of severe recalcitrant nodular acne, by the use of the drug Accutane(isotretinoin).

References

• Description of black head on Encyclopedia.com

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black+head Wikipedia article Black head.