How are Blackheads and Papules Produced?

Blackheads and papules are external symptoms of acne. They are the result of excessive sebum production and hornification of sebaceous glands excretory duct. Horny layers of the epidermis overlap, fill the excretory duct and close its opening. A blocked opening of a sebaceous gland canal with a plug of sebum and horny cells creates a so-called blackhead, which is a non-inflammatory form of acne. In the case of excessive production of sebum and horny epidermis some bacteria, always present on the skin surface, develop well. In such environment they breed like in a hatchery. They cause inflammatory process, which can result in cracking of excretory duct wall and the development of inflammation near sebaceous gland. Papules become big, red and painful.

Non-inflammatory and inflammatory forms of acne may appear in their neighbourhood. The method of treatment depends on the form and seriousness of the illness.