What is a closed comedon?
Closed comedones, also known as whiteheads, are a common form of acne. They usually appear as small white or skin-colored bumps on the skin and form when hair follicles become clogged with cutin and sebum. Unlike open comedones (blackheads), the hair follicles of closed comedones are closed, so they will not oxidize and turn black. This article will detail the characteristics, causes, prevention, and treatment of closed comedones, and provide structured data so readers can quickly access key information.
1. Characteristics of closed comedones
Closed comedones usually have the following characteristics:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Small white or skin-colored bumps with a smooth surface |
| size | Usually 1-2 mm, may appear in flakes |
| touch | Feels grainy to the touch but usually painless |
| Common parts | Areas with dense sebaceous glands such as the forehead, chin, and sides of the nose |
2. Causes of closed comedones
The formation of closed comedones is related to many factors. The following are the main causes:
| Cause | Specific instructions |
|---|---|
| Excessive sebum secretion | Overactive sebaceous glands causing clogged hair follicles |
| Abnormal keratin metabolism | Thickening of the stratum corneum and blocking of the hair follicle openings |
| bacterial infection | Propionibacterium acnes multiplies and causes inflammation |
| Hormone changes | It is prone to occur during periods of hormonal fluctuations such as puberty and menstruation. |
| Improper skin care | Use skin care products that are too greasy or do not cleanse thoroughly |
3. Prevention methods of closed comedones
The key to preventing closed comedones is to keep your skin clean and regulate sebum production:
| Precautions | Specific methods |
|---|---|
| gentle cleansing | Use a gentle cleanser twice a day to avoid over-cleansing |
| Exfoliate regularly | Use salicylic acid or fruit acid products 1-2 times a week |
| Moisturizing and oil control | Choose moisturizing products with oil-free formula to adjust the balance of water and oil. |
| avoid irritation | Reduce the use of heavy cosmetics and avoid touching your face frequently |
| diet regulation | Reduce the intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods and drink more water |
4. Treatment methods for closed comedones
For closed comedones that have already formed, the following treatments can be used:
| Treatment | Description | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| topical medications | Vitamin A acids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, etc. | It takes 4-8 weeks to see results. |
| professional care | Acupuncture or chemical peels performed by a dermatologist | Need to be operated by professionals |
| Oral medications | Antibiotics or isotretinoin (in severe cases) | Requires doctor's prescription and monitoring for side effects |
| Phototherapy | Blue light or red light therapy | Requires multiple treatments to be effective |
| lifestyle adjustments | Regular work and rest, reduce stress, exercise | Only by persisting for a long time can you see the effect |
5. Common Misunderstandings
There are some common misunderstandings about closed comedones that need to be clarified:
| Misunderstanding | facts |
|---|---|
| Acne is caused by incomplete cleaning | Excessive cleansing can damage the skin barrier |
| You can squeeze out acne by yourself | Improper squeezing can cause inflammation and scarring |
| Acne will disappear naturally with age | Adult acne is also common and requires treatment |
| Sunbathing can cure acne | UV rays can worsen skin problems |
6. When Do You Need Medical Treatment?
It is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly in the following situations:
| situation | Description |
|---|---|
| Acne is numerous and persists | May require professional treatment |
| Obvious redness, swelling and pain | There may be inflammation or infection |
| Self-treatment is ineffective for 3 months | Treatment plan needs to be adjusted |
| Leaving obvious acne marks or scars | Needs professional repair |
Although closed comedones are common, they can be effectively controlled and improved with the right care and treatment. The most important thing is to be patient and avoid improper treatment that can lead to more serious skin problems. If the condition is severe or persists, it is recommended to consult a professional dermatologist.
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