What is a Whitehead?

A whitehead is a type of acne similar to the blackhead. Both are also called comedones, though whiteheads may be called closed comedones. Whiteheads and blackheads form when hair follicles are blocked by a secretion called sebum and by dead skin cells. Blackheads are considered open comedones because the pore remains open, allowing this material to oxidize and change color. With whiteheads, a small amount of skin covers the pore, so that the material remains white. Whiteheads tend to be smaller than blackheads but they are still fairly noticeable because of their white color. Most dermatologists recommend that you not pop these, unless you’re knowledgeable in using a comedone extractor. Instead, though it may take time, the best way to reduce whiteheads is by using a good exfoliating cleaner on the face. Exfoliants help to remove dead skin, which may reduce incidence of follicles being blocked by it. Another way to work on eliminating whiteheads is to use an astringent to clean the ...  more

A whitehead is a collection of sebum and keratin (fluids in your body) that plugs the opening of your skin pore causing a white bump to appear. :).  more

A whitehead is a closed acne legion. I think it's filled with puss...Just like a regular zit when it comes to a head.  more