Blackhead
Encyclopedia
A blackhead is a yellow or blackish bump or plug on the skin. A blackhead is a type of acne vulgaris
. Contrary to the common belief that it is caused by poor hygiene, blackheads are caused by excess oils that have accumulated in the sebaceous gland
's duct. The substance found in these bumps mostly consists of keratin
and modified sebum (an oily secretion of the sebaceous gland), which darkens as it oxidizes. Clogged hair follicle
s, where blackheads often occur, reflect light irregularly to produce a blackhead's "black" hue. For this reason, the blockage might not necessarily look black when extracted from the pore, but may have a more yellow-brown colour as a result of its melanin
content.
In contrast, a "whitehead" (more commonly known as a pimple
or a closed comedo
) is a follicle that is filled with the same material, sebum, but lacks a small opening to the skin surface. Since the air cannot reach the follicle, the material is not oxidized, and remains white.
Acne vulgaris
Acne vulgaris is a common human skin disease, characterized by areas of skin with seborrhea , comedones , papules , pustules , Nodules and possibly scarring...
. Contrary to the common belief that it is caused by poor hygiene, blackheads are caused by excess oils that have accumulated in the sebaceous gland
Sebaceous gland
The sebaceous glands are microscopic glands in the skin that secrete an oily/waxy matter, called sebum, to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair of mammals...
's duct. The substance found in these bumps mostly consists of keratin
Keratin
Keratin refers to a family of fibrous structural proteins. Keratin is the key of structural material making up the outer layer of human skin. It is also the key structural component of hair and nails...
and modified sebum (an oily secretion of the sebaceous gland), which darkens as it oxidizes. Clogged hair follicle
Hair follicle
A hair follicle is a skin organ that produces hair. Hair production occurs in phases, including a growth phase , and cessation phase , and a rest phase . Stem cells are principally responsible for the production of hair....
s, where blackheads often occur, reflect light irregularly to produce a blackhead's "black" hue. For this reason, the blockage might not necessarily look black when extracted from the pore, but may have a more yellow-brown colour as a result of its melanin
Melanin
Melanin is a pigment that is ubiquitous in nature, being found in most organisms . In animals melanin pigments are derivatives of the amino acid tyrosine. The most common form of biological melanin is eumelanin, a brown-black polymer of dihydroxyindole carboxylic acids, and their reduced forms...
content.
In contrast, a "whitehead" (more commonly known as a pimple
Pimple
A pimple, zit or spot is a kind of acne, and one of the many results of excess oil getting trapped in the pores. Some of the varieties are pustules or papules....
or a closed comedo
Comedo
Comedo may refer to:*Blackhead *Whitehead : non inflamed pore blocked with sebum, a symptom of acne vulgaris...
) is a follicle that is filled with the same material, sebum, but lacks a small opening to the skin surface. Since the air cannot reach the follicle, the material is not oxidized, and remains white.
See also
- Acne vulgarisAcne vulgarisAcne vulgaris is a common human skin disease, characterized by areas of skin with seborrhea , comedones , papules , pustules , Nodules and possibly scarring...
- Keratosis pilarisKeratosis pilarisKeratosis pilaris is a common, autosomal dominant, genetic follicular condition that is manifested by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin...
- MiliaMiliaA Milium , also called a milk spot or an oil seed, is a keratin-filled cyst that can appear just under the epidermis or on the roof of the mouth. Milia are commonly associated with newborn babies but can appear on people of all ages...
- PimplePimpleA pimple, zit or spot is a kind of acne, and one of the many results of excess oil getting trapped in the pores. Some of the varieties are pustules or papules....
- Propionibacterium acnesPropionibacterium acnesPropionibacterium acnes is a relatively slow growing, typically aerotolerant anaerobic gram positive bacterium that is linked to the skin condition acne; it can also cause chronic blepharitis and endophthalmitis, the latter particularly following intraocular surgery...
- Comedo extractionComedo extractionComedo extraction is a widely-used method of treatment for acne vulgaris. A dermatologist or cosmetologist may extract blackheads using gentle pressure around the pore opening, and whiteheads by incision with a large needle or a blade.If performed skillfully, this treatment may be beneficial to...