Blackheads

Blackheads or. Comedones are blockages caused by keratinization of sebum follicles. Blackheads are mostly found on the nose or the nostrils and are often clearly recognizable by their dark, pigment-like shape and color.

What are blackheads?

Blackheads or comedos are blemishes on the skin that are often noticeable as a result of the characteristic pimple. There are different forms. The white comedones are particularly well-known, although they are harmless but are perceived as annoying from an aesthetic point of view.

There are also the black comedones that develop from the original form. Blackheads are the primary efflorescence of acne, i.e. the first and mainly visible symptom. However, they can also occur alone due to various other causes.

Blackheads occur particularly often in adolescents during puberty, but can also occur again and again in a weakened form throughout their life. Along with pimples, blackheads are a typical symptom of acne.

causes

Blackheads occur when the sebum follicles of the skin become excessively keratinized and therefore clogged. Ultimately, a plug is created that becomes visible as a blackhead on the skin. These are so-called closed comedones because the skin is not yet torn. They store a plug of sebum, which is often squeezed out manually, and tend to become inflamed. Open comedones are blackheads that have already torn open or have been pressed on. They are yellowish at first, but then turn black, because the content of the blackhead has mixed with the pigment melanin and is oxidized by the oxygen, not, as one might assume, by dirt.

Blackheads are the main symptom of acne. They then mainly appear on the face, shoulders and chest. However, there are also other causes, such as hormonal fluctuations. These are normal in teenagers and can cause adolescents to develop a lot of blackheads. Women also occasionally get more blackheads before the period.

Diseases with this symptom

• acne
• PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
• Ovarian cyst
• osteoporosis

• Drug allergy
• Cushing's disease
• Rosacea
• Short stature

• Hormonal imbalances
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Pheochromocytoma
• Kidney weakness

If blackheads are not treated, there will be no complications. So it seems. But that's not true. On the contrary.The blackheads will not go away without treatment. If it is already a form of acne, its condition can worsen. Without treatment, acne can spread unhindered and take on much worse forms with pustules.

Complications

In no case should the blackheads be squeezed out themselves. This allows bacteria to penetrate deep into the skin. It also irritates the skin. The blackheads are not removed properly and come back after a few days. In addition, the pores can ignite badly when they are squeezed out.

This can result in unsightly scars in the end. Improper use of cosmetics and home remedies of all kinds can also worsen the complexion. The products to be used must always be individually tailored to the skin type. If the products are too greasy, they can make the skin condition worse. Incorrect applications can also dry out the skin or cause skin irritation.

When should you go to the doctor?

Blackheads are annoying, but usually not a reason for a doctor's visit. Everyone can judge their own skin complex best and decide whether it looks normal for their circumstances or whether blackheads appear outside the usual pattern. The first time in life this can happen in your teens. Some blackheads are not a problem; If, on the other hand, they break out not only on the face, but also in other places, are accompanied by the formation of pus and only heal with scarring, they are a sign of acne.

Only the doctor can confirm this and initiate the correct treatment in the process. A timely doctor visit can prevent affected teenagers from developing severely scarred skin that no longer heals. You should also pay attention if blackheads appear outside of the known pattern. For example, many women get it when they are about to begin their menstrual period.

If they occur without a menstrual period starting, an appointment should be made with the gynecologist. You should also have a doctor clarify sudden, strong outbreaks of blackheads without any apparent reason. It is possible that the blackheads have an organic cause. It is also conceivable that it is not blackheads at all, but allergic or hypersensitive reactions of the skin to harmful substances. However, only a doctor can recognize and treat this.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

Often people try to remove blackheads by squeezing them out themselves. However, this should not be done under any circumstances - this only further damages the pores and opens them up for bacteria, which inflames the follicle and the bacteria can also be transferred to other blackheads.

Instead, the affected areas of the skin should be rubbed with an agent that contains salicylic acid or hydrogen peroxide. Salicylic acid opens the pores by peeling off the top layer of skin - this allows sebum to escape more easily, old blackheads disappear and new ones are prevented from developing before they can appear. Hydrogen peroxide then unfolds its effect.

It ensures that the blackhead-related wounds heal and not cause more blackheads to form. Products with zinc oxide in larger amounts are also helpful, as they also promote the healing of the skin. If acne is suspected, however, one should contact the dermatologist. It occurs mainly in teenagers or puberty and must be treated with special means, otherwise it will not go away.

Outlook & forecast

Blackheads do not necessarily have to be treated by a doctor and in very many cases go away on their own. As a rule, young people and children in particular are plagued by blackheads, which has a particularly strong effect at this age due to the change in hormones. The blackheads usually go away within a few months and it is a typical symptom that occurs in adolescence.

However, if the patient feels uncomfortable with the blackheads, this symptom can also be treated by a doctor. The doctor responsible for this is the dermatologist. Alternatively, a beautician can be visited. However, the success of the treatment cannot be universally predicted.

If the blackheads occur due to poor hygiene, they can be eliminated relatively easily. Washing the areas of the face helps here. The blackheads can also occur due to hormones, whereby treatment is relatively complicated. However, the beautician can temporarily remove the blackheads so that the skin looks and feels better afterwards. Many products are also available in drugstores and pharmacies and can be used by the patient himself.

prevention

The best prevention against blackheads is to avoid harmful substances such as alcohol, cigarette smoke and unhealthy, greasy food whenever possible. On the other hand, fresh air, exercise and plenty of healthy food are important. In addition, care must be taken to clean the skin properly.

It is wrong to constantly wash the skin with soap - this will cause it to lose the protective layer of fat. Instead, a dermatologically tested product should be used to cleanse the skin, which is moisturizing if possible. As a result, the protective layer of fat is immediately restored to the skin and it can defend itself against blackheads.

Furthermore, regular endurance sports and sauna can have a beneficial effect on the skin and prevent the formation of blackheads and pimples. Fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs should be the basis of the daily diet in order to prevent pimples and blackheads over the long term.

You can do that yourself

Blackheads can be treated with a number of everyday home remedies and tricks. In addition to increased body hygiene, it is advisable to clean the skin regularly with the help of a steam bath and thus get rid of blackheads.

Larger blackheads can be treated with various tinctures. The antibacterial effect of apple cider vinegar is particularly evident in people with slightly oily skin, while brewer's yeast also works on very oily skin and effectively dries out the pimples. A mask made of honey or healing earth, which is applied to the affected areas in a similar way to tinctures, cleans the skin of all residues and thus significantly reduces the formation of blackheads. Quark, which can be used in the form of a face mask or a cleansing lotion, is also a real insider tip.

Special plaster strips from the pharmacy help acutely against blackheads on the nose, but should only be used in emergencies due to their irritating effect. Home remedies such as zinc ointment, toothpaste or lemon juice, which are also simply applied to the face, where they dry out the blackheads, are more effective. The use of these home remedies should always be discussed with a general practitioner or dermatologist first.