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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 caused by acne . They are found at the opening of skin pores. A solid core can often be seen in the middle of the small bump. Open comedones are blackheads and closed comedones are whiteheads .

 

References

Habif TP. Acne, rosacea, and related disorders. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 7.

Patterson JW. Diseases of cutaneous appendages. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2016:chap 15.

 
  • Acne - close-up of pustular lesions - illustration

    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) - illustration

    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 - illustration

    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 - illustration

    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 - illustration

    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 - illustration

    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 - illustration

    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 - illustration

    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 - illustration

      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) - illustration

      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 - illustration

      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 - illustration

      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 - illustration

      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 - illustration

      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 - illustration

      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 - illustration

      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: 10/31/2016

    Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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