Recommended ACNE treatment for white heads on my face

I have hard deep set white heads on my face...lots of them...How can I get rid of these or least most of them?

Over the counter acids and washes have had zero effect.

The information provided by medical professionals in the Q&A is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified health care provider.

Answers

Allure Skin & Laser Center

By: Allure Skin & Laser Center | Rodney H. Berger, MD
Addison, IL
Replied on: 3/24/2011

Hi there!
Thanks for your question! Without seeing your face I can't know for sure
what 'white heads' you are struggling with. I assume they aren't pimples and
my only other option would be that you have a lot of Milia. Milia are
basically a white/yellow-ish "seed" under the surface of the skin. They are
clumps of hardened protein and have no side effects or risks - however most
people like them removed for cosmetic reasons.

There are a few treatment options to remove them - extract them manually,
microdermabrasion, or deep chemical peels. The easiest and most effective
treatment is manual extraction. I would numb the areas, use a small blade to
make a tiny opening in the skin, then use q-tips to express the Milia. With
good post care you will have no scarring or side effects from the treatment.

Again, I cannot guarantee that these are Milia on your face..


Kind Regards,
Katie Pelizza, Patient Coordinator
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Poole Dermatology, The Laser Center of New Orleans

By: Poole Dermatology, The Laser Center of New Orleans | Jeffrey C. Poole, MD
Mara A. Hasectine, MD
Metairie, LA
Replied on: 3/24/2011

It is always best to have a consultation with your Board Certified Dermatologist. Generally you would want to start with an exfoliating wash and a topical retinoid (Like Retin-A Micro) for baseline control of whitehead. For the deeper whiteheads you describe, acne surgery (making small nicks over the whithead and expressing its contents) or chemical peels may be necessary, and are quite common procedures. Do NOT try this at home, as improper technique or equipment can result in scarring.

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