Whiteheads, closed comedones or milia? How to tell them apart
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Small white bumps on the face are usually one of three things: whiteheads, closed comedones or milia. They look alike but need slightly different care, so it helps to know which you have.
Whiteheads
Whiteheads are blocked pores with a visible white or yellowish top. They are slightly raised and often appear on the nose, chin and forehead, sometimes with a little redness. They usually respond well to 2% salicylic acid.
Closed comedones
Closed comedones are also blocked pores, but they sit deeper and look like small, skin-coloured bumps you can feel more than see. They often cover the forehead and chin and make skin feel rough. The term "whiteheads" is often used for these too. They also respond to salicylic acid, but need patience: 6 to 8 weeks. Read more: What are closed comedones?
Milia
Milia are tiny, hard, pearly-white cysts of trapped keratin, often around the eyes and cheeks. They are not blocked pores, so acne products don't clear them well. Don't try to squeeze them. A dermatologist can remove them safely.
Quick way to tell
- White top, slightly raised, sometimes red: whitehead
- Skin-coloured, rough, many small bumps: closed comedones
- Hard, pearly, around the eyes: milia
What helps whiteheads and closed comedones
- Gentle cleansing morning and night.
- Acne Treatment Serum at night, starting 2 to 3 nights a week.
- Light, oil-free moisturiser and daily sunscreen.
Roman Urdu
Safed chhote daane whiteheads, closed comedones ya milia ho sakte hain. Whiteheads aur closed comedones band pores hain aur salicylic acid se theek hote hain. Milia sakht moti jaise daane hote hain jo aankhon ke paas hote hain; unke liye dermatologist se milein.
Main guide: How to get rid of whiteheads. Cash on delivery across Pakistan.