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Infected Blackhead Treatment

A blackhead is an accumulation of sebaceous oil and skin cells that become lodged in hair follicles in the skin. When the clogged hair follicle erupts through the skin, the contact with oxygen causes the oily accumulation to turn black. When blackheads become infects this often leads to acne.

  1. Scrubs

    • Many over the counter medicated scrubs exfoliate the skin. This helps clear clogged pores and hair follicles as well as removing dead skin cells.

    Ointments/Creams

    • Purchase medicated creams and ointments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylicover the counter. These products reduce the amount of oil on the skin.

    Prescription Medications

    • Doctors often prescribe oral antibiotics to treat severe or persistent acne. Prescription retinoids and topical antibiotics are also beneficial.

    Blackhead Removal

    • Never try to remove blackheads by squeezing since this causes damage to the skin and surrounding tissue. Steam is a good method to remove blackheads; fill a sink with steaming hot water, place your face over the steam and cover your head with a towel for about 5 minutes then exfoliate your skin.

    Home-made Treatments

    • Some common household products effectively clear up blackheads. These include warm honey applied directly to problem spots for 10 to 15 minutes; lemon juice applied 2 to 3 times per day and toothpaste (creams not gels) applied directly to the problem spot and left overnight.

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