Black Heads – A major worry in today's Teenagers

What is a Black Head?

A blackhead is generally an opening on skin with a blackened mass of skin debris covering the opening. In general terms, these are small dark spots on the skin caused due to blockage in the opening of the follicle. These are usually the first stage of pimples and acne.

English: A picture of blackheads from a 14 year old male. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What are the Causes of Black Heads?

Increase in oil production in the sebaceous glands during puberty is the major cause for the appearance of blackheads in teenagers.

Some disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome can also be a reason for appearance of blackheads in women.

Habits like smoking and drinking worsen the condition.

It is purely a myth as said by doctors that poor hygiene, improper food habits like intake of fatty foods and stress conditions worsen the conditions of blackheads and acne.

What are the available Remedies for Black Heads?

Over the counter Treatments (Drugs):

Creams, gels and ointments containing salicylic acid, benzyl peroxide, and resorcinol have found to be effective in controlling blackheads as they work by killing the bacteria and drying the excess oil which is produced by the sebaceous glands.

Manual Removal:

Dermatologists use a special instrument called a round loop extractor to remove the plug causing the blackhead.

Laser and Light Therapy:

This therapy uses tiny beams of laser and light to kill the bacteria in the follicles and also to decrease the excess production of oil by the sebaceous glands.

Home made remedies to get rid of Black Heads:

1. Crush fenugreek (methi) leaves and add water to it making a fine paste. Apply it to the face regularly to get rid of blackheads at home.
2. A few drops of lemon juice to a spoonful of sugar and using this mixture as a scrub by gently rubbing it over the face, nose neck parts can help in getting rid of dead skin and blackheads at home.
3. One of the simplest ways to get rid of blackheads is spreading honey mixed with few drops of lemon juice over your face and leaving it for 15-20 minutes and then cleansing the face with water.
4. Mix a tablespoon of honey with half a spoon of cinnamon powder and then this mixture over your face for about 3 minutes and then gently washing with warm water can give u excellent results for black heads.
5. Mix lemon juice with a tablespoon of yogurt, a tablespoon of salt, and a bit of honey. Use this to scrub over your blackhead areas for 2-3 minutes and then wash with warm water.

Prevention of Black Heads:

Blackheads can be prevented by using not a very costly methods and cosmetics but just with few following precautions in our day to day life.

Wash your face regularly

Washing the face at regular intervals with a light cleanser or soap can avoid the buildup of bacteria and dust on the skin and prevent the clogging of the follicles with bacteria and sebum secretions and thus can avoid the developing of blackheads on your face.

Use oil free products and Light Cleansers

Use of oil free products and cleansers can prevent the worsening of the condition by preventing excess oil pouring into the skin pores.