Comedones Acne : Causes and Treatment ,Precautions

How to Get Rid of Comdones

Comedones are clogged hair follicles in the skin. They are skin colored and occur when the keratin which is the skin debris combines with the oil and blocks the follicle. They often appear like a small bump on the skin. A single lesion is referred to as comedo and plural are Comedones. Comedones can be open (blackhead) or closed (whitehead) by the skin.

How to Get Rid of Comdones

How to Get Rid of Comdones

Open Comedones are black in color because of the pigment melanin, Oxidation causes blackening of the blackheads and follicles are totally blocked in case of open Comedones. Comedones most frequently appear on the arms, shoulders, chest, neck, back, and face.

Causes of Comedones

During puberty, the sebaceous gland increases the production of oil causing Comedones and acne. Likewise, the cells which are lining the sebaceous duct also proliferate. When any debris blocks the sebaceous duct and the hair follicle it results in the formation of Comedones.

Causes of Comedones

Causes of Comedones

Ingrown hair that fails to emerge normally may also block the pore and lead to infection causing pus and inflammation. Excessive activity of male sex hormone is responsible for the development of Comedones in male. Other factors responsible for the development of Comedones are as follows.

• Hormonal changes in both boys and girls during puberty triggers the production of sebum in the sebaceous glands. Male sex hormones called androgen also increases the production of sebum.

• Post-puberty, hormonal changes are also triggered because of menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Use of birth control pills may also activate sebaceous glands.

• Heavy sweating

• Activities like shaving also open the hair follicle resulting in the formation of Comedones

• Environmental factors like humidity in the climate may also trigger over activation of sebaceous glands

• Certain health conditions like stress, PCOS(Polycystic ovarian syndrome), PMS (Premenstrual syndrome).

• Certain medications which are steroid based like corticosteroids

• Reduced linoleate in the sebum

• Cells lining the follicle may produce proinflammatory cytokines in response to activation of an immune response

• Bacterial infection

• Over hydrated skin by using excess moisturizers

• Certain chemicals like polypropylene glycol, is propyl my restate and certain dyes in cosmetics

• Rupture of the hair follicle while squeezing pimples, abrasive washing, and laser treatments

• Research has shown more probability of having Comedones in smokers

• Certain food which is high in sugar and fats may contribute to Comedones

Certain food

Certain food

Treatments for Comedones

It is difficult to pinpoint exact cause of Comedones, but you can decrease the chances of having further Comedones by

following below mentioned treatment options.

Choose oil

free creams and cosmetics, maintain healthy skin care routine. Avoid skin products that have alcohol as one of its ingredients

Avoid tight and synthetic clothes

Get enough rest and avoid stress. Adopt means to distress yourself like Exercise and meditation.

Eat low fat and watch your sugar intake. Eat a healthful and balanced diet which included plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.

healthful and balanced diet

healthful and balanced diet

Certain plant

based treatments can be used at home in case you have mild and small Comedones like tea tree oil, aloe vera and rose oil. They have natural antibacterial action and may help in preventing any bacterial infection.

Salicylic acid scrub

Salicylic acid helps in chemical exfoliation of Comedones, it helps in removing excess oil and cells from the surface of the skin. Gentle face scrub helps in physical exfoliation and keeps the pores clear. You can scrub your skin 3 times a week if you have oily skin, in case of sensitive skin once a week is sufficient.

Precautions for Comedones

There are certain factors which can increase the risk of worsening the Comedones. Avoid irritating your skin by too much scrubbing or washing it.

Precautions for Comedones

Precautions for Comedones

Touching and picking Comedones may irritate them and result in worsening the condition. You can get rid of mild and small Comedones at home, but for more severe and persistent Comedones always consult your dermatologist.

Dr. Reena Prajapat
Dr Reena Prajapat is a dentist, she post graduated in hospital management from Apollo Institute of hospital Administration, Hyderabad. Her strong belief in natural and home remedies lead her to Pursue bachelor in naturopathy.