Black spots occur as a result of the accumulation of oil secreted from the skin and dead skin cells in the pores. If the tip of the clogged pore is open to the skin, it appears as a blackhead. If the clogged pore is not open, we see these as small white dots. They are better seen when the skin is tightened. In medical terms, clogged pores are called comedones, and they are divided into open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads) depending on whether the end of the pore is open to the skin or not.
Comedones are the leading symptom of acne. With puberty, hormone production begins from the adrenal glands and the first black spots appear. It is especially seen in the T area of the face, such as the nose, forehead and chin, where oil secretion is high. Black and white spots can also be seen in areas where other oil glands are concentrated, such as the back, chest, and shoulders.
Comedones may occur in other conditions other than acne. In the disease called hidradenitis suppurativa (acne inversa), it can be seen with inflamed acne in fold areas such as the armpits, groin, under the breasts and buttocks.
Comedones are also a symptom of photoaging caused by excessive sun exposure. In people who have been exposed to intense sunlight throughout their lives, such as farmers and sailors, we can see large black spots grouped together on the nape and cheekbones.
Rarely, comedone groups located in a certain part of the body can be seen as moles.
Another condition seen as a black spot on the body, mostly on the back skin, is 'epidermal cyst'. The material inside these cysts is similar to that in blackheads, but in blackheads, the pores are blocked in the form of tunnels, and in the epidermal cyst, there is a sac under the skin. Epidermal cysts grow slowly over time and can sometimes become inflamed, red, swollen and painful. When squeezed, a foul-smelling white-yellow material comes out of them. It is not desired to squeeze these cysts because in this case, the volume of the cyst increases and it becomes easier for it to become inflamed. It is not a symptom of acne and they do not become cancerous.
Treatment is planned according to the cause of the blackheads. It is not desired to tighten it except for some conditions. It has nothing to do with pollution, excessive washing, brushing or Frequent peeling is not recommended as it will irritate the skin. It may be necessary to clean the skin regularly with cleansers that penetrate the pores and use creams that prevent the formation of blackheads. It is best to stay away from using oily creams, sweating, hair conditioners and contact of hair with facial skin as these will facilitate the formation of blackheads. It is useful to get help from a dermatology specialist to distinguish the cause of blackheads, get accurate information and plan the treatment appropriately.
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