Appearance of Acne
Comedone
Related terms · Closed comedones · Whiteheads · Blackheads
Comedones are acne caused by sebum and dead skin cells blocking the opening of the hair follicle. If the opening is closed and appears white, it is called a closed comedone; if it is open and appears black, it is called an open comedone.
Overview
For comedones, look at just three things first
- Comedones occur when sebum and dead skin cells Hair follicle block the pore opening. If the opening is closed and appears white, it is called a closed comedone; if it is open and appears black, it is called an open comedone.
- papuleare already red, swollen, and painful acne. Comedones may have little to no redness or pain, but they can develop into red, painful acne.
- Do not squeeze them with your hands. Please take photos to record where they are most frequent (forehead, nose, chin, chest, or back) and whether they increased after using a new product.
Meaning and Distinction
What are comedones?
This is a condition where sebum and dead skin cells accumulate beneath the skin surface or at the opening of the pores. This is checked first when distinguishing acne from other rashes. Comedones are acne caused by sebum and dead skin cells blocking the follicle opening. If the opening is closed and appears white, Closed comedonesand if it is open and appears black, it is called an open comedone.
- Easily confused terms
- Papules are already red and swollen red and painful acneacne. Comedones may have little to no redness or pain, but they can develop into red, painful acne.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- The treatment sequence and the allowable range of irritation are determined based on whether comedones are present and their ratio compared to red acne.
- Information to prepare for your visit
- Do not squeeze them by hand; instead, take photos to show where they are most concentrated (forehead, nose, chin, chest, or back) and whether they increased after using a new product.
More details
Connecting comedones to your symptoms
Acne can start even without redness
Closed comedones (milia-like) or blackheads are easy to ignore because they are not painful, but if inflammation begins inside the blocked follicle, they can turn into red acne. We examine where they are most frequent among the forehead, nose, and chin, and the sequence in which red acne appears.
The reason they refill after being emptied through extraction must also be examined
Even if current blockages are reduced through extraction, they may recur in the same area if conditions that cause sebum and dead skin cells to accumulate remain. We establish a maintenance plan by checking for irritation from topical medications, cleansing habits, and changes in menstruation or sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions when identifying comedones
Is a diagnosis determined by the term 'comedone' alone?
A papule is already a red, raised, and painful acne lesion. A comedone may have almost no redness or pain, but it can lead to red and painful acne.
What should I write down regarding comedones before my medical evaluation?
The treatment sequence and the allowable range of irritation are determined based on whether comedones are present and their ratio compared to red acne. Do not squeeze them by hand; instead, take photos to show where they are most concentrated (forehead, nose, chin, chest, or back) and whether they increased after using a new product.
Acne Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check simple definitions before proceeding to detailed explanations.Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideAcneAcne begins with follicular keratinization, where dead skin cells at the opening of the follicle tangle with sebum and block it, and the acne-causing bacteria naturally living on the skin contribute to inflammation. Hormonal changes such as puberty or pregnancy, family history, and certain medications can increase the risk, and skin or hair products that block pores may also be related to acne. Diet or stress can be aggravating factors for some people, but a single food or cleansing habit cannot be concluded as the sole cause of all acne.→
- Condition GuideClosed comedonesThe focus of treating millet-like acne (small white bumps) is topical medication to reduce pore blockage in closed and open comedones, along with low-irritation skin care. Topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or azelaic acid are selected based on skin condition and possibility of pregnancy; since these typically take several weeks, initial irritation and the number of new acne lesions are recorded. Do not squeeze by hand or repeatedly use antibiotics alone.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhat should I check first when acne suddenly increases?Do not view a sudden increase in acne as all being the same type; categorize them into closed comedones, red pimples, pus-filled acne, and deep, painful nodules. Also note the date you started new medications or cosmetics, and changes in menstruation, sleep, or stress. If deep nodules increase rapidly or if the face swells and develops a fever, you must seek medical evaluation rather than just recording symptoms and waiting.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideAre whiteheads, red bumps, pustules, and deep nodules all the same type of acne?→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment descriptions.