Best Home Remedies For Whiteheads
By Dr. Raina N. Nahar +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Raina N. Nahar
Last updated: Sep 29, 2025 Published on: May 24, 2022
Get,
to manage your symptom
Get your,
4 Cr+ families
benefitted
OTP sent to 9988776655
You’ve successfully subscribed to receive
doctor-approved tips on
Whatsapp
Get ready to feel your best.
Register to Avail the Offer
Send OTPBy continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
Hi There,
Sign up on PharmEasy now!!
Trusted by 4 crore+ families
OTP sent to 9988776655
You have unlocked 25% off on medicines
Code: NU25
By Dr. Raina N. Nahar +2 more
Table of Contents
Whiteheads are small, painless, white or yellow bumps that develop on the surface of the skin. They are also called closed comedones (singular – comedo)1,2. They are a type of acne that commonly occur on the nose, chin, forehead, neck, chest, back and the upper cheek region and arms1,3.
Whiteheads are commonly seen in adolescents, but they can also affect adults4. Milia are chronic whiteheads that form as small white bumps when dead skin cells become trapped in tiny sacs on the skin’s surface1.
Our skin contains hair follicles all over. Around these hair follicles are small glands called sebaceous glands or oil glands. These glands secrete sebum, an oily substance. Normally, the sebum is drained out to the surface of the skin through the hair follicle5. However, when the hair follicle gets blocked, the sebum gets trapped inside. Eventually, the sebaceous gland or the hair follicle become inflamed. The inflammation can be caused by:
Infection of the sebaceous gland by bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes (Cutibacterium acnes)6.
Did you know that you can use coconut oil to manage whiteheads in addition to using it for your hair and cooking? Yes, investigations have proven that coconut oil has antibacterial characteristics and may inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acne. This is the bacteria causing whiteheads. As a result, if you have whiteheads, you may apply coconut oil at home15.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Whiteheads are milder forms of acne. They usually appear in areas of the skin that have oily glands in abundance, like the face, upper back and upper chest1,2,3. Whiteheads appear as small yellowish or whitish bumps on the skin. They do not cause any redness, pain, swelling or a sensation of heat as they are non-inflammatory by nature. They also don’t contain pus1.
Managing whiteheads at home does not necessarily require costly treatments. Several natural substances are traditionally used and may help manage whiteheads. These include:
Honey is known to have anti-bacterial properties. It may inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause whiteheads8.
How to use: Take the required quantity of honey in a glass bowl. Add a little water to it so that its consistency is comfortable enough for you to apply to the skin. Apply this to the affected area and keep it on for 15-20 minutes. You can wash it off with lukewarm water.
Aloe vera helps to contract the pores on the skin9. It also has anti-bacterial properties that can help fight whiteheads10.
How to use: Cut off the flat end of an Aloe vera leaf. Then, slit it open vertically to reveal the aloe gel inside. You can scoop out this gel and apply it directly to the skin. Wash it off after 15-20 minutes.
Tea tree oil has anti-microbial properties. It is known to reduce whiteheads on the skin11.
How to use: Take tea tree oil in a bowl and add any carrier oil like coconut, jojoba or olive oil to it and mix thoroughly. With a clean cotton swab, dab this mixture onto the affected part and keep it on for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Witch hazel contains tannins that give it an astringent quality (helps the skin cells to contract). It also inhibits the growth of micro-organisms (antiseptic), especially bacteria, and also helps to reduce inflammation due to whiteheads12.
How to use: Take the required quantity of witch hazel solution in a bowl. Dip a clean cotton ball in it and apply to the affected areas. Do not rinse.
Coconut oil has anti-bacterial action against the bacteria causing whiteheads13. Before using it, ensure that the skin is cleansed and dried properly.
How to use: Take the required quantity of coconut oil on your clean hand and massage it thoroughly on the affected skin area. You may leave the oil overnight and then wash it with tepid water on waking up.
Whiteheads are a kind of acne that is caused by the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. Honey is known to have antibacterial characteristics and studies16 have demonstrated that it may assist in inhibiting the growth of these bacteria and reducing whiteheads. For these reasons, you may use honey for getting rid of whiteheads at home.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
It may be difficult to avoid whiteheads completely, but some things do help:
Also Read: Natural Home Remedies For Neck Pain
Whiteheads may clear on their own within days to weeks, though this varies from person to person. You can seek medical advice if whiteheads are persistent, severe, or emotionally distressing14. Do inform your doctor of past allergies to any medications.
Whiteheads during adolescence, although not life-threatening, can have a psychological impact on the person as it can affect their self-image. At such times, it is essential to seek help from a doctor, especially if you are experiencing signs of emotional distress or sadness as a result whiteheads5.
Also Read: Natural Home Remedies for Stretch Marks
Whiteheads are small yellowish or whitish eruptions occurring on the skin, especially in areas where there are a lot of oil glands1,4. The sebum trapped inside a hair follicle can cause inflammation of the gland or hair follicle due to bacterial infection, extra sebum production or abnormal development of keratin5. While whiteheads can be hereditary, they are also caused by toxic chemicals or factors that make the sebaceous glands hyperactive, like the onset of puberty1,6,7.
Having whiteheads is a fairly common condition, especially in adolescents. Although not dangerous, whiteheads may have an emotional impact; therefore, you must seek medical help if you are feeling depressed or anxious due to whiteheads4,14.
Honey, aloe vera, tea tree oil, witch hazel and coconut oil are some natural remedies for the management of whiteheads8,13. With these home remedies, you can tackle whiteheads naturally, in the comfort of your home.
Blackheads are called open comedones as the affected skin surface remains open. On the other hand, whiteheads are called closed comedones because the affected skin surface remains closed. Moreover, blackheads appear brown or black in colour, while whiteheads appear whitish or yellow.
No, whiteheads cannot be transmitted from one person to another.
Pressing on the whiteheads is not recommended as trying to extract them can cause infection or inflammation of that part of the skin and may also cause scarring.
While the above-mentioned home remedies have shown beneficial effects for tackling whiteheads, there is not enough scientific evidence to state that their effect is permanent.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
14 
3Comments
Leave your comment...
You may also like
Comments