White heads
Moderator: talkhealth
White heads
Hi. My main problem is tiny hard white heads, especially in the forehead. Why do these occur, and how is it best to prevent them?
- Dr Rachel Abbott
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2018 2:05 pm
Re: White heads
Many thanks for your question.
‘White heads’ are usually closed comedones – when debris blocks the oil gland or hair follicle. Mild comedonal acne may be helped by avoiding greasy moisturisers/ make-up and using a cleanser containing salicylic acid/ glycolic acid. If further treatment is needed then I suggest that you see your GP or a dermatologist to discuss prescription-only treatments. Further information is available here:
https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/comedonal-acne/
Another possibility is that the ‘white heads’ on your forehead may be ‘milia’ which are small cysts in the skin. Here is a link to some further information on milia:
https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/milium/
With best wishes,
Rachel
‘White heads’ are usually closed comedones – when debris blocks the oil gland or hair follicle. Mild comedonal acne may be helped by avoiding greasy moisturisers/ make-up and using a cleanser containing salicylic acid/ glycolic acid. If further treatment is needed then I suggest that you see your GP or a dermatologist to discuss prescription-only treatments. Further information is available here:
https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/comedonal-acne/
Another possibility is that the ‘white heads’ on your forehead may be ‘milia’ which are small cysts in the skin. Here is a link to some further information on milia:
https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/milium/
With best wishes,
Rachel
Dr Rachel Abbott
Consultant Dermatologist and Mohs surgeon - MBBS, BMEDSCI(HONS), MRCP (UK), MRCP (DERMATOLOGY) (UK)
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... abbott.php
Consultant Dermatologist and Mohs surgeon - MBBS, BMEDSCI(HONS), MRCP (UK), MRCP (DERMATOLOGY) (UK)
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... abbott.php