BlackHeads

[Tony199]

Hi,
It seems that I have OCD with blackheads! I can't go through the day without looking in the mirror and noticing the horrible blackheads all over my nose. Right now I use water and a dead skin cell remover that helps get rid of them, but is not working strongly enough. Basically, I use warm water first to open up the pores then I use the dead skin cell remover and try to wash them out as best as I can. Afterwords, I will use cold water and splash it over my face for about 5 minutes. I've done this for about 3 days now and they haven't really gotten any better. I feel like I need to see a dermatologist, but I am a full time student right now and I can't really afford the expenses. I really want to see an improvement with this because they are really annoying to me. Should I see a dermatologist?

[NiamhieB]

I find that the T-zone strips dont really work, the just remove the skin and leave the heads. I'm allergic to most product and my sister has acne. Any tips (that don't invo;ve soap, usually gives me a rash)

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

The golden rule for whiteheads and blackheads caused due to blockage of sebaceous glands is frequent gentle cleaning. Cleanse the area thoroughly and apply a good mild exfoliating scrub on that.Pat the skin dry and do not rub it vigorously. Apply a medicated cream or gel containing resorcinol, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. This helps is soaking the oil and helps in peeling away thewhiteheads.If benzoyl peroxide leaves your skin dry, apply an oil-free moisturizer after 10 mins of applying benzoyl peroxide.

Avoid cooked carbohydrates and fats, replace these with fresh fruits, vegetables and raw fats (avocadoes, olives, olive oil etc).Also steam your face once in a while.

If the symptoms still persist then pls consult a dermatologist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing and if you have any additional queries.

[margypops]

Excuse me 'the Allergy Forum'

[margypops]

Well hi Kit kat I guess its just you and me and if you have a couple of spare hours we are also needed on the Dermatology forum......

[kitkat2189]

try using the sunbeds or sun shower for a few minutes a couple of times a week along with this cut out alcohol and chocolate from your diet and stock up on fruit and veg this will help the blackheads clear. Once they have cleanse,tone and moisturise morning and night to keep them at bay. sounds like obvious advice but it really does work!!