More frequent washing is not advisable unless the skin is very oily. Nor should the skin be scrubbed vigorously. Do not use oil-based makeup, suntan oil, or other greasy substances on the skin. If blackheads become numerous and infected, and if the problem persists, a dermatologist should be consulted. Many lotions that counteract the formation of blackheads are available without a prescription.
Stronger lotions are available with a prescription.
In severe cases antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection caused by breaks in the skin, although they do not prevent the blackheads themselves.