Prevention and treatment of whitehead

Natural Cure for Whiteheads:

Acne is not a serious medical condition, but it can be the bane of a teenager’s existence. Unfortunately, it isn’t just teenagers who can be affected by blackheads and whiteheads. Also known as comedones, whiteheads can affect a person into the thirties, and sometimes even later.

Whiteheads are actually the body’s way of dealing with bacteria, and like any other illness, point to a deeper problem. They occur when sebum, a fatty substance that lubricates the skin and hair, collects in a blocked oil duct. Bacteria then attack this spot for a veritable feast, leaving the area red, swollen and sore.

The body’s defences respond by sending millions of white blood cells to fight the bacteria. This little battle is seen, unfortunately, as a whitehead. When these follicles are open, a chemical reaction oxidises the stuff in them, turning them black – into blackheads. Obviously then, blackheads are easier to remove than whiteheads, but you don’t have to suffer in silence.

The best remedy for whiteheads is, unfortunately, prevention. Good skin care is imperative. Develop good facial hygiene, clean your face regularly, and also remove makeup before bed. Don’t use soap on your face, instead use a good face-wash and moisturiser, so that the skin is kept clean and soft.

If you want to remove whiteheads, try not to squeeze them with your nails, as this may cause scarring. Instead, steam your face for a few minutes, and then press the skin together to push them to the surface. Then, clean with a damp cloth. Benzoyl peroxide is a whitehead cure that has an antibacterial effect and reduces plugging. This may be used for a mild case of blackheads. Similarly, Tretonin is widely used to treat comedones. It contains vitamin A. It helps to clean out the pores, and should be used only under medical supervision. Similarly, your health care professional can also prescribe antibiotics in case some of the pores are infected.

There are also some home remedies that can be used to treat whiteheads:

Drink a lot of water and juices throughout the day.
Apply a mixture of vinegar and cornstarch on the affected area for 15-30 minutes a day.
Apply a paste of fresh fenugreek leaves on the face once a day.
Make a poultice of grated potatoes and apply to the affected area.
A mixture of one part lemon juice to one part groundnut oil can be applied to stop blackheads and whiteheads from forming.
A paste of roasted, crushed pomegranates and lime juice can also be used.