Medically reviewed by Owen Kramer, M.D. — Written by Kristeen Moore — Updated on August 6, 2019

What is a whitehead?

A whitehead is a type of acne that forms when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria become trapped within one of your pores. Whiteheads can be annoying, and they may seem to develop at the worst times.

The good news is that whiteheads can be prevented with a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatments.

What causes whiteheads?

Understanding the cause of whiteheads can help you prevent future breakouts. Clogged pores are the main cause of whiteheads. Your pores can become blocked for several reasons.

One cause of blocked pores is hormonal changes, which are common triggers of acne. Certain life stages can increase the amount of sebum, or oil, your pores produce. The increased oil production causes clogged pores and whiteheads.

These stages include:

  • puberty
  • menstruation
  • pregnancy

Certain contraceptives that contain progesterone only may also increase hormone levels and cause acne flares in women. Likewise, some women notice more acne during certain stages of their menstrual cycles once they stop taking birth control pills.

Several studiesTrusted Source have found that genetics also play a role in the development of different types of acne, including whiteheads. If someone in your family suffers from acne, you have a higher risk of developing it too.

Whiteheads can also appear in areas where you get a lot of friction, like on the chin from a chin-strap on athletic gear.