Whiteheads are a type of acne that occurs when pores become clogged with excessive dead skin cells, oil, or bacteria. When pores get blocked, small white or flesh-colored bumps form on the skin.

These slightly raised bumps are usually called whiteheads, but they can also be referred to as closed comedones or papules.

Unlike other types of acne such as papules (raised red bumps) or pustules (acne lesions filled with pus), whiteheads typically do not have any clinical symptoms of inflammation, such as redness or swelling. As a relatively mild form of acne, whiteheads are generally easier to treat and control than the inflammatory types.

Although having whiteheads can be a nuisance, the good news is that skin care and lifestyle changes can help treat and prevent them.

Whiteheads appear on the skin as tiny, raised white or flesh-colored bumps with a domed shape and no visible central pore. Sometimes, whiteheads may rupture or the pore may open, leading to blackheads, which are a type of acne that appears as tiny black dots on the skin.

Whiteheads most commonly occur in areas of the body where there are more sebaceous glands (oil glands), such as the face, chest, and back. They may also appear on the neck or other parts of the body with abundant sebaceous glands.

Typically, a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in treating diseases that affect the skin, hair, and nails) or other healthcare providers can diagnose whiteheads based solely on their appearance.

Whiteheads form when excess bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells accumulate and clog pores.

Stress, lack of sleep, hormones, and certain foods can exacerbate whiteheads and other types of acne. Oily skin care products, hair care products, or cosmetics can also cause acne like whiteheads.

Whiteheads can occur at any age. Although acne is most common among teenagers (nearly 85% of teenagers have had acne at some point), this condition can also affect infants and adults. Acne has a hereditary component, so if your parents had or have whiteheads, you are more likely to develop them too.

Research has also found a link between smoking and acne, with smokers being more prone to acne than non-smokers.

To remove whiteheads and unclog pores, consider using benzoyl peroxide lotions and retinoids (a skin care product derived from vitamin A).

Benzoyl peroxide lotions sold by brands like Clearasil and Neutrogena help eliminate the excess acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Meanwhile, retinoids help unclog pores, accelerate skin cell turnover, and reduce skin oiliness.

Some types of retinoids are available over-the-counter (such as Differin [Adapalene]), while others (such as Retin - A [Tretinoin]) can only be prescribed by a healthcare provider. Among the retinoids used on the skin, Adapalene is usually the least irritating.

Over-the-counter treatments usually take four to six weeks to show results. If one treatment is ineffective during this period, you can try adding a second treatment. For example, you can use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinoids at night (these two ingredients should not be used simultaneously). Avoid using more than two anti-acne products in daily life to treat whiteheads and other types of acne, as too many products can irritate the skin.

If your whiteheads still persist or worsen after about a month of treatment, or if your acne affects your health (such as causing you stress), see a healthcare provider to discuss further treatment options.

Other treatment options may include extraction by a dermatologist or prescription-based acne treatments.

It should be noted that oral antibiotics are only recommended for moderate to severe inflammatory acne cases that are unresponsive to topical treatments. Since whiteheads are non-inflammatory acne, it is not recommended to use oral antibiotics for their treatment.

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of treatment, it is essential to follow the instructions and product types recommended by your provider.

During the process of eliminating whiteheads, never squeeze the pimples. Also, avoid scratching, pinching, picking, or rubbing whiteheads. This helps prevent skin infections and scarring.

To avoid the spread of acne-causing bacteria, you should also refrain from touching the affected area with your hands or fingers.

When attempting to remove whiteheads, you should also avoid wearing tight hats or headbands, using greasy cosmetics or skin creams, and make sure to remove all makeup before going to bed.

It is also a good idea to avoid using tanning beds and protect your skin from sun exposure. Tanning can worsen existing acne. In addition, some acne treatments can make the skin more sensitive to the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays in tanning beds and sunlight. When going out, use a broad-spectrum, waterproof, non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher, stay in the shade, or wear sun-protective clothing.

The key to preventing whiteheads is to remove the excess dead skin cells, oil, or bacteria on the skin that may clog pores. This means using a gentle cleanser to clean the skin. When cleaning, do not over-scrub. After exercise, you also need to wash your face and body to remove sweat and dirt.

You can also use water-based or non-comedogenic skin care products and cosmetics to avoid the formation of whiteheads. If you wear makeup, make sure to remove it all at the end of the day.

If your hair is greasy, it is best to wash it daily and comb it back to prevent it from covering your face.

In addition, you can try to prevent whiteheads by avoiding factors that may trigger them. These triggers include: excessive touching, staying on, or rubbing the skin; using oily cosmetics and hair care products; taking certain medications (such as steroids and estrogen); high humidity; excessive sweating; stress; lack of sleep, etc.

Some research suggests that a high glycemic load diet (foods that raise blood sugar more quickly, such as white bread, processed cereals, and white rice) and increased milk intake are associated with acne during puberty. However, further research is needed to confirm this link. You can discuss with your healthcare provider whether dietary changes might be helpful for you or your loved ones.

In conclusion, whiteheads are a type of acne that can affect people of all ages, but they are most common among teenagers. They look like tiny, raised, domed white or flesh-colored bumps on the skin.

Fortunately, whiteheads can be controlled and treated with topical skin care treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids. Changing certain lifestyle habits, such as getting more sleep and reducing stress, can also help control acne. Using a gentle skin cleanser and keeping your hands away from your face can help prevent the formation of whiteheads.

It is important to stick to the treatment and be patient. Acne may take more than a month to clear. If over-the-counter whitehead treatments are ineffective within four to six weeks, consult a dermatologist or other healthcare provider to discuss other treatment options.