Why doctors don't recommend removing blackheads
Aug 29, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, doctors do not recommend removing blackheads due to reasons such as natural skin metabolism, potential skin damage, increased risk of infection, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and the development of acne. It is advisable to consult a doctor promptly and have blackheads treated under professional supervision. In daily life, using gentle skincare products to cleanse the skin and maintaining a light, balanced diet may help reduce the occurrence of blackheads.
Generally, doctors do not recommend removing blackheads for the following reasons: natural skin metabolism, skin damage, increased risk of infection, post-inflammatory pigmentation, and acne development. It is advisable to consult a doctor promptly and have blackheads treated under professional supervision. The detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Natural skin metabolism: The skin has self-repairing and metabolic capabilities, and blackheads are, to some extent, a natural byproduct of this process. Excessive removal of blackheads may disrupt the skin's natural metabolic cycle and compromise the skin barrier.
2. Skin damage: Squeezing blackheads with improper force or incorrect techniques can cause physical trauma to the skin, such as scratches or tears.
3. Increased risk of infection: Using unclean tools or improper techniques to remove blackheads may introduce bacteria, leading to skin infections. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain, fever, and abscess formation.
4. Pigmentation: If the tools used for blackhead removal are not properly sterilized or hands are unclean, inflammatory reactions may occur. This can overactivate melanocytes, resulting in excessive melanin production, causing darkening of the affected skin area and leading to hyperpigmentation.
5. Acne development: Acne is a common skin condition primarily caused by abnormal keratinization of hair follicles and increased sebum production. Squeezing blackheads may spread bacteria and inflammatory mediators within the follicle, thereby worsening acne symptoms.
In daily life, it is recommended to use gentle products to cleanse the skin and maintain a light diet, which can help reduce the occurrence of blackheads.
