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Comedones

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.

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.

Text only

  • Acne - close-up of pustular lesions

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

    Acne - close-up of pustular lesions

    illustration

  • Blackheads (comedones)

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

    Blackheads (comedones)

    illustration

  • Blackheads (comedones) close-up

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

    Blackheads (comedones) close-up

    illustration

  • Acne - cystic on the chest

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

    Acne - cystic on the chest

    illustration

  • 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.

    Acne - cystic on the face

    illustration

  • 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.

    Acne - vulgaris on the back

    illustration

  • 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.

    Acne - close-up of cysts on the back

    illustration

  • 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.

    Acne - cystic on the back

    illustration

    • Acne - close-up of pustular lesions

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

      Acne - close-up of pustular lesions

      illustration

    • Blackheads (comedones)

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

      Blackheads (comedones)

      illustration

    • Blackheads (comedones) close-up

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

      Blackheads (comedones) close-up

      illustration

    • Acne - cystic on the chest

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

      Acne - cystic on the chest

      illustration

    • 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.

      Acne - cystic on the face

      illustration

    • 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.

      Acne - vulgaris on the back

      illustration

    • 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.

      Acne - close-up of cysts on the back

      illustration

    • 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.

      Acne - cystic on the back

      illustration


    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.

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