1. The pore through which the hairs emerge
from the skin - here dead skin cells become more "sticky" and partially
block the pore.
2. The oil or sebaceous gland - more oil is
produced, which gives rise to a generally oily complexion.
The partial blockage in the pore restricts
the flow of oil onto the skin surface. This results in solidification of
the oil which fills the hair channel forming a blackhead. The black of
the blackhead is not due to dirt, but a change in pigment in the blockage
in the pore. If the partial blockage becomes complete, the oil builds up
around the hair and hair root and becomes infected with bacteria normally
present on the skin. The bacteria break down the oil to very inflammatory
chemicals which cause redness, pus formation and pain - the "zit".
If the inflammation is deep and severe, or
if the spot is manipulated or squeezed, the pus can burst deep into the
skin rather than onto the surface. This deep-rooted inflammation and infection
results in scarring and cyst formation.
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