Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the sebaceous
(oil-secreting) glands in the skin and along hair shafts become clogged
and inflamed, and infected by bacteria. Blackheads and whiteheads form
in the clogged pores. Blackheads are small, usually flat spots with
black centres. Whiteheads are similar, but because thay are closed, they
don't have dark centres. Both blackheads and whiteheads may develop into
swollen, tender papules (pimples) and pustules.
When the trapped sebum and bacteria stay below the skin
surface, a whitehead is formed.
A blackhead occurs when the trapped sebum and bacteria
partially open to the surface and turn black due to melanin, the skin's
pigment. Blackheads can last for a long time because the contents very
slowly drain to the surface.
People experience different types of scarring from acne,
and every person is left with different facial topography. Therefore,
acne scar treatment must be addressed on a case by case basis. No single
treatment is right for everyone. You and your dermatologist or cosmetic
surgeon will have to decide what is right for your type of acne
scarring.
