By Sarah Jividen, RN 

Published on September 28, 2023

 Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD

Whiteheads, also called closed comedones and pimples, are a type of acne blemish. They appear as small, white, raised bumps on the skin.¹

Medline Plus. Whiteheads.

 These bumps form when hair follicles get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

Whiteheads can occur on various parts of the body, but they are most commonly found on the face, particularly on the forehead, nose, and chin. However, they can also appear on the chest, back, and other areas where hair follicles are present.

This article will review what causes whiteheads and how to remove them.

Robin Gentry / Getty Images

Things That Cause Whiteheads

Every tiny hole you see on the surface of your skin is actually the opening of a little canal called a follicle. Inside each follicle, there's a hair and a special gland called an oil gland or sebaceous gland.² This oil gland has an important job. It gets rid of old skin cells, keeps your skin nice and smooth, and stops your skin from getting too dry.

 Acne: Closed Comedone (Whitehead)

A whitehead develops when an abundance of sebum (skin oil) and dead skin cells accumulate and block the opening of a pore. This process leads to a raised blemish that appears white or flesh-toned.³

What Increases Your Risk of Whiteheads

Some things that may increase your risk of acne, such as whiteheads, include:⁴

• Hormonal changes, such as those during puberty

• Stress

• Not getting enough sleep

• Oil hair care products that get on the face

• Using oily skin and makeup products

• Certain foods

Some skin products like moisturizers or oils can worsen acne because they might clog up your pores.⁵ Talk to a board-certified dermatologist about skin products that won't increase your risk of acne or may help improve it.

Whitehead Treatment Based on Cause

The appropriate acne treatment regimen for you is influenced by various factors, which may include:⁶

• The location of the acne on your skin

• Previous treatment methods you have experimented with

• The onset time of the breakouts

• Your age

• Whether the acne has resulted in dark spots or scars on your skin

For whiteheads, your dermatologist may recommend applying acne medication to the skin. Your treatment plan might include one of these options:⁶

• Retinoid treatment

• A retinoid alongside salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or azelaic acid

• A combination of benzoyl peroxide with a topically applied antibiotic

Additionally, board-certified dermatologists can use surgical instruments to clean out whiteheads.⁷

Aloe Vera Treatments

There is a lot of research on the benefits of aloe vera for wound healing due to its antibacterial, antiseptic, skin protectant, and anti-inflammatory properties.⁸ Fortunately, there is also some evidence that aloe vera may also help aid in the treatment of whiteheads or other types of acne.

One 64-patient double-blind study—a study in which neither the patients nor the researchers know who received the active drug or an ineffective substance called a placebo—found that using aloe vera gel combined with ultrasound therapy significantly improved mild to severe acne as compared to the control group.⁹

In addition, researchers found that this treatment also improved hyperpigmentation (areas of darker skin than surrounding skin, skin texture, and facial blood circulation.

Aloe vera may be a helpful nondrug option for improving acne that is easy to use at home. Talk to your dermatologist about using any at-home acne treatments to ensure that it is a safe and appropriate option for you. Here's one simple method to create your own aloe vera-infused moisturizer for acne treatment:

Ingredients:

• Fresh aloe vera gel

• Jojoba oil (or another preferred noncomedogenic carrier oil, an oil that won't clog pores)

• Lavender or other essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Extract fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe leaf.

• In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel with 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil. Adjust the quantities to achieve your preferred consistency.

• If desired, add a drop or two of tea tree essential oil and lavender essential oil.

• Mix the ingredients.

• Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry.

• Apply a small amount of the aloe vera moisturizer onto your face, focusing on areas prone to whiteheads.

• Gently massage the moisturizer into your skin using upward, circular motions. This promotes better absorption and blood circulation.

• Allow the moisturizer to fully absorb into your skin and rinse it off or leave it on overnight.

How to Prevent Whiteheads

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, board-certified dermatologists also recommend the following guidelines:¹⁰

Keep Skin Clean

Gently cleanse your face up to twice daily and after perspiring. Opt for a mild, nonabrasive cleanser and use your fingertips for application, as using washcloths, sponges, or other tools might provoke skin irritation.¹⁰

Choose Skin-Care Products Wisely

Embrace mild skincare products that bear the label "alcohol-free." Steer clear of products like astringents, toners, and exfoliants that could potentially irritate your skin, as they tend to dry it out and make acne appear worse.¹⁰

Keep Hair Off Your Forehead

The oils from your hair can contribute to acne, especially on your forehead. If your hair tends to be oily, increase the frequency of your shampooing and keep your hair away from your facial skin.¹⁰

Stay Consistent With Skin Care

Avoid the urge to frequently switch to new acne treatments, as this can lead to skin irritation and breakouts. Give your chosen treatment sufficient time to work; results might take weeks to months to become evident.¹⁰

Don't Touch Your Face

While squeezing or picking at acne might seem tempting, such actions only prolong the clearing process and elevate the risk of scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.¹⁰ If breakouts persist despite following these recommendations, talk to a board-certified dermatologist.

Does Popping Whiteheads Help With Healing?

Popping or squeezing whiteheads and other types of acne can actually worsen your condition, as it further blocks your skin pores.⁵ In addition, popping, picking, or squeezing acne increases inflammation, which leads to an increased risk of scarring.¹¹

Whitehead Coverage Options

The two types of "pimple" patches to help cover and treat acne are:

• Hydrocolloid patch

• Non-hydrocolloid patch

Hydrocolloid Patch

A hydrocolloid patch is a type of adhesive bandage containing hydrocolloid material designed to absorb moisture and create a moist environment. These patches are often used for wound care, particularly for blisters, sores, and acne.¹²

In acne treatment, hydrocolloid patches are applied over pimples or blemishes. They work by absorbing excess oil, pus, and fluids from the acne lesion, which can help speed up the healing process and prevent the acne from further irritation or infection.¹²

Non-Hydrocolloid Patch

A non-hydrocolloid patch refers to any adhesive patch that doesn't utilize hydrocolloid material. This could include acne-specific patches that use different materials to address pimples.

These patches may have different mechanisms of action, such as delivering acne-fighting ingredients or providing a physical barrier to prevent external irritants from coming into contact with the affected area.¹²

Some ingredients that may be found in these pimple patches may include ingredients that help prevent bacterial growth, such as:¹²

• Benzoyl peroxide

• Salicylic acid

• Chitosan

• Gelatin

Summary

Whiteheads are raised, small, white or flesh-colored bumps that emerge when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. These blemishes can be found on various body parts, often appearing on the face, chest, back, and shoulders. Factors contributing to whiteheads include hormonal changes, stress, lack of sleep, oil-based hair products, and certain foods.

Dermatologists recommend gentle cleansing, avoiding pore-clogging skincare products, and not picking or squeezing acne. Additional treatement options include retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and antibiotics. Popping acne is discouraged as it can worsen inflammation and scarring.

If you or a loved one is struggling with whiteheads or other acne conditions, talk to a board-certified dermatologist to find a treatment option that is right for you.