Cause of White Heads and Black Heads

The sebum, hair and the cells that fill the narrow follicle may produce a plug, which is an early sign of acne.

The plug prevents sebum from reaching the surface of the skin through a pore.

The mixture of oil and cells allows bacteria to grow in the plugged follicles.

These bacteria produce chemicals and enzymes and attract white blood cells that cause inflammation.

When the wall of the plugged follicle breaks down, sebum, dead skin cells,and bacteria gets spilled on to the skin thereby causing lesions or pimples.

Lesion referes to a physical change in body tissue caused by disease or injury. It may be external or internal. For example we cut our finger with a knife and it affects the body tissue and is an external lesion. If we have lung cancer the internal tissues are affected and it is internal lesion.

Acne is an external lesion because if affects the body tissue on the face, neck, back, etc.

People with acne frequently have a variety of lesions. If the plugged follicle, stays beneath the skin, it is called a whitehead.

If it reaches the surface of the skin and opens up, it is called a blackhead.