Overview

Whiteheads occur when excess sebum, or oil, gets trapped in your pores, resulting in a raised, white blemish, notes Acne.org. Whiteheads can be recurring or happen infrequently. The trick is to know how to properly treat whiteheads so that you get rid of them and stop future breakouts from occurring. Popping the whitehead in the proper way can get rid of it quickly, while a salicylic acid treatment and proper skin care practices can help stop future whitehead breakouts from occurring.

Step 1

Run a washcloth under warm water for a few seconds, then wring out the excess water. Fold the cloth into quarters and apply to the whitehead to help soften the blemish for easier removal and help to open the pore for better drainage. Hold the cloth on your whitehead for at least 30 seconds to one minute.

Step 2

Dip the end of a needle or pin in rubbing alcohol to help disinfect the surface. Never attempt to pop a whitehead with your fingers. Not only can your hands spread bacteria and germs and cause further breakouts, but squeezing can actually damage the healthy tissue surrounding the whitehead, warns Dr. Mehmet Oz of "The Dr. Oz Show."

Step 3

Slide the pin or needle through the top of the dead skin covering the whitehead. Pull the whitehead upward to puncture the top of the whitehead and release some of the discharge. Press around the whitehead gently with two cotton swabs to help facilitate the removal of the discharge, and wipe away the excess with another clean swab.

Step 4

Hold a clean cotton swab on top of the whitehead for one minute to stem any bleeding that may occur. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the affected area to help speed healing. Keep your fingers away from the whitehead to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Step 5

Smooth an ointment containing salicylic acid over your skin each day, especially when you're prone to whiteheads. Salicylic acid helps to dissolve the dirt, oil and dead skin cells that cause clogged pores and subsequent whiteheads, notes Gannet Health Services at Cornell University. Use salicylic acid continuously, as it only provide temporary results.