White heads?

[Rik]

Recently i've noticed i seem to have a few whiteheads building up round my eye area, so i've purchased some facial wipes to remove dirt n grease ect.

But any advice on remove the ones already there? I tried squeezing 1 but it seems quite deep, and dont wanna scar my face, will they go eventually?

[DonnaT]

Eventually, but it depends on the person. Sometimes they cause scarring even when left alone.

I'd suggest a good cleanser designed for acne with Salicylic acid. If that doesn't help try a medication like Retin A.

Using a cleanser and Retin A could leave the skin very dry, so be sure to moisturize.

[Karren Hutton]

White heads are small Sebaceous cyst on the face. And really pose no medical problem unless they become infected. I'd use some type of mild microderm abrasion scrub to work your way down to them and then for the larger deap ones there's a blackhead removal tool you can push over them to pop them out. I have a rather large one on my back and every few months it required arrention to remove the Sebeum that has built up. It might even be called Mila but google Sebaceous cyst...

[SilverLady(SO)]

Hi, Rik -

I don't know how I missed your post until now!

White heads around the eye area?!? They may not be white heads but an outwardly build-up of cholesterol. Most people I've seen with this condition admit they have high cholesterol, but never connected the so-called white heads to the cholesterol. Be very careful when trying to treat anything in the eye area: the skin and tissue around the eyes are very sensitive and can swell very easily.

I've been dealing with acne for over 35 years now, mine is cystic (aka vulgaris). In the past 3 years, however, it has greatly diminished as a result of no stress or tension. Over the years, I've learned a few tricks in dealing with acne, white heads, and black heads. Acne and white heads are not the same thing; one can get a white head as a result of an ingrown hair, it's not acne but merely the body's way of trying to remove what it perceives to be a foreign object.

The black head removal tool does not work well on the cheeks, the tool needs a firmer sub-surface (ie, resistance) when pushing down on it to eject the black heads . . . BTDT. The tool works very well on the forehead, chin, and back, though, where there are more bones below the skin for resistance.

Don't be surprised to discover that acne, white heads, and black heads have a tendency to form again in the same spot, or immediately next to that spot.

If you would like more detailed information, feel free to send me a PM.


- SL

[Karren Hutton]

I have firm cheeks, SL! Lol. Wait. Wrong cheeks..

I was just thinking.. I have a small and vacume pump that I use for various things and I wonder how it works for blackheads.. Got to give it a try..

[SilverLady(SO)]

I have firm cheeks, SL! Lol. Wait. Wrong cheeks..

The vacuum pump is just another gimmick, same as the pump 'syringe' . . . don't waste your time or your money! A sterile, sharp sewing needle can be used to gently work the black head out, and I've yet to experience any type of pain or scarring with this method.

- SL

[Patti D]

I use to pick at mine, long ago , with a needle. Keep clean afterward

[Karren Hutton]

The vacuum pump is just another gimmick, same as the pump 'syringe' . . . don't waste your time or your money!

Too late!! lol I use the pump for other "larger" issues, SL!

[Stephanie H]

I agree with Silver Lady's post in that they are an extension of a cholesterol issue. I have had my surgically removed several times over the years... appx 4 year span between removal. In all occurances, the Dr. indicated that they are cholesterol related and will continue to come back and would have to be removed if I did not want them. They are a soft tissue mass of growth and is triggered by higher cholesterol.

[Rik]

thanks for the replies all.
The cholesterol cause makes sence to me as im currently not really getting any excersise, but I do eat quite alot and drink a fair amount at weekends.

I guess being more healthy is the was to prevent this.