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Comedones

Show Alternative Names
Skin bumps - acne-like
Acne-like skin bumps
Whiteheads
Blackheads

Comedones are small, flesh-colored, white, or dark bumps that give skin a rough texture. The bumps are one type of acne. They are found at the opening of skin pores. A solid core can often be seen in the middle of the small bump. Comedones are called open or closed based on whether the surface is disrupted (open) or intact (closed). Open comedones are blackheads and closed comedones are whiteheads.

Review Date: 10/20/2022

Reviewed By

Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

References

Dinulos JGH. Acne, rosacea, and related disorders. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide in Diagnosis and Therapy. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 7.

James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Acne. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach, MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 13.

Disclaimer

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Videos
Images
Acne - close-up of pustular lesions - Illustration Thumbnail

Acne - close-up of pustular lesions

Acne lesions frequently contain pus. This close-up photograph shows small acne pustules with surrounding inflammation (erythema).

Illustration

Blackheads (comedones) - Illustration Thumbnail

Blackheads (comedones)

Blackheads, or open comedones, are common in acne. Clogged hair follicles reflect light irregularly to produce this black hue.

Illustration

Blackheads (comedones) close-up - Illustration Thumbnail

Blackheads (comedones) close-up

Blackheads, or open comedones, are common in acne. Clogged hair follicles reflect light irregularly to produce this black hue.

Illustration

Acne - cystic on the chest - Illustration Thumbnail

Acne - cystic on the chest

Cystic acne may occur across the upper chest as well as on the back.

Illustration

Acne - cystic on the face - Illustration Thumbnail

Acne - cystic on the face

The face is the most common location of acne. Here, there are 4 to 6 millimeter red (erythematous) pustules, some with bridging scars and fistulous tract formation (connecting passages). Severe acne may have a profound psychological impact and may cause scarring. Effective treatments are available for this type of acne.

Illustration

Acne - vulgaris on the back - Illustration Thumbnail

Acne - vulgaris on the back

Acne frequently occurs on the back. Here, there are 2 to 6 millimeter wide erythematous (red) pustules with large open and closed comedones. Permanent scarring may follow a severe case of acne. Men are more often affected on their shoulders and back than are women.

Illustration

Acne - close-up of cysts on the back - Illustration Thumbnail

Acne - close-up of cysts on the back

Cystic acne, or nodulocystic acne, is the most severe form of acne. Both pustules and hard red bumps are present in the skin. This form of acne is more difficult to treat and often requires taking an oral vitamin A derivative.

Illustration

Acne - cystic on the back - Illustration Thumbnail

Acne - cystic on the back

Cystic acne, or nodulocystic acne, is the most severe form of acne. Both pustules and red bumps are present in the skin and scarring can be seen. The back is a common site for acne.

Illustration

 
 
Acne - close-up of pustular lesions - Illustration Thumbnail

Acne - close-up of pustular lesions

Acne lesions frequently contain pus. This close-up photograph shows small acne pustules with surrounding inflammation (erythema).

Illustration

Blackheads (comedones) - Illustration Thumbnail

Blackheads (comedones)

Blackheads, or open comedones, are common in acne. Clogged hair follicles reflect light irregularly to produce this black hue.

Illustration

Blackheads (comedones) close-up - Illustration Thumbnail

Blackheads (comedones) close-up

Blackheads, or open comedones, are common in acne. Clogged hair follicles reflect light irregularly to produce this black hue.

Illustration

Acne - cystic on the chest - Illustration Thumbnail

Acne - cystic on the chest

Cystic acne may occur across the upper chest as well as on the back.

Illustration

Acne - cystic on the face - Illustration Thumbnail

Acne - cystic on the face

The face is the most common location of acne. Here, there are 4 to 6 millimeter red (erythematous) pustules, some with bridging scars and fistulous tract formation (connecting passages). Severe acne may have a profound psychological impact and may cause scarring. Effective treatments are available for this type of acne.

Illustration

Acne - vulgaris on the back - Illustration Thumbnail

Acne - vulgaris on the back

Acne frequently occurs on the back. Here, there are 2 to 6 millimeter wide erythematous (red) pustules with large open and closed comedones. Permanent scarring may follow a severe case of acne. Men are more often affected on their shoulders and back than are women.

Illustration

Acne - close-up of cysts on the back - Illustration Thumbnail

Acne - close-up of cysts on the back

Cystic acne, or nodulocystic acne, is the most severe form of acne. Both pustules and hard red bumps are present in the skin. This form of acne is more difficult to treat and often requires taking an oral vitamin A derivative.

Illustration

Acne - cystic on the back - Illustration Thumbnail

Acne - cystic on the back

Cystic acne, or nodulocystic acne, is the most severe form of acne. Both pustules and red bumps are present in the skin and scarring can be seen. The back is a common site for acne.

Illustration

 
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