How Do You Spell WHITEHEAD?

Pronunciation: [wˈa͡ɪthɛd] (IPA)

The word "whitehead" is spelled as /ˈwaɪt.hɛd/. It consists of two parts: "white" (pronounced as /waɪt/) which refers to the color and "head" (pronounced as /hɛd/) which designates the body part. When combined together, the "w" sound at the end of "white" merges with the "h" sound at the beginning of "head" resulting in a single syllable word. A whitehead is a type of acne that forms when oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog hair follicles.

WHITEHEAD Meaning and Definition

  1. Whitehead is a noun that refers to a small, raised, and benign skin blemish characterized by a buildup of oils and dead skin cells, often found on the face, neck, or other parts of the body. Also known as a closed comedone or a closed pimple, a whitehead is a type of acne that appears as a small, round, flesh-colored or whitish bump with a closed pore at the center. It occurs when a hair follicle becomes clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells, causing the pore to close and trap the accumulated debris beneath the skin's surface.

    Whiteheads are usually painless and do not cause inflammation, as they remain closed. They are commonly associated with acne-prone skin and are particularly prevalent during adolescence due to hormonal changes. However, whiteheads can affect individuals of any age and skin type. Their development can be attributed to factors such as excessive oil production, dead skin cell buildup, hormonal fluctuations, and certain medications.

    Treatment for whiteheads primarily involves maintaining proper skincare hygiene, including regular cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing. Over-the-counter topical products containing ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids can help unclog pores and reduce the occurrence of whiteheads. In severe cases, a dermatologist may prescribe stronger medications or perform procedures like extractions to eliminate persistent whiteheads.

Common Misspellings for WHITEHEAD

Etymology of WHITEHEAD

The word "whitehead" has its origins in Middle English, where it was spelled as "whithevede". "Whithevede" is a compound word made up of "white" and "hevede", which meant "head". The term "white" was used to describe something that is pale or light in color, and "hevede" referred to the top part of the body. Over time, "whithevede" evolved into "whitehead", which is the form commonly used today to describe a pimple, pustule, or any small bump on the skin that appears white or pale.

Similar spelling words for WHITEHEAD

Plural form of WHITEHEAD is WHITEHEADS

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