What should I do about having blackheads all over my nose at age 14?

Under normal circumstances, blackheads on the nose at age 14 may be caused by various factors such as changes in sebum secretion, improper cleansing methods, acne, folliculitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. It is recommended to seek medical advice promptly to identify the underlying cause, followed by improvements through general care, medication, and other treatments. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Changes in sebum secretion: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excessive sebum. If not expelled in time, the sebum accumulates in pores and oxidizes to form blackheads. Daily use of a gentle facial cleanser for morning and evening washing can help prevent excessive oil buildup.

2. Improper cleansing: Inadequate cleansing fails to effectively remove dirt and excess oil, while over-cleansing may damage the skin barrier—both conditions make blackhead formation more likely. Choose a facial cleanser suitable for your skin type, use cleansing masks regularly, and avoid over-cleansing.

3. Acne: Excessive sebum production and abnormal keratinization of hair follicle openings lead to clogged pores, where sebum oxidizes into blackheads, often accompanied by comedones and papules. Under medical guidance, topical treatments such as tretinoin cream, adapalene gel, or benzoyl peroxide gel can be used to improve follicular keratinization, inhibit bacterial growth, and reduce inflammation.

4. Folliculitis: Bacterial infection causes inflammation in hair follicles, leading to clogged pores and blackhead formation, often associated with redness and pain. Follow doctor’s instructions to apply mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or erythromycin ointment to the affected area to control infection and promote healing.

5. Seborrheic dermatitis: Excess sebum combined with overgrowth of Malassezia yeast triggers inflammation, resulting in blackheads on the nose along with oily skin and flaking. Under professional guidance, medications such as tacrolimus ointment, pimecrolimus cream, or ketoconazole cream may be used to regulate immune response, suppress fungal growth, and relieve symptoms.

In daily life, maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late. Reduce intake of spicy and greasy foods, and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits. Keeping a positive mood and minimizing mental stress can also help improve skin health and reduce blackhead formation.