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Blackheads

Open comedones

 

Blackheads are tiny, dark spots on the skin. They are caused by a small plug in the opening of a follicle (pore). Blackheads are also called open comedones .

Related conditions include:

  • Acne
  • Whiteheads

Considerations

 

Blackheads can be treated with creams that contain salicylic acid or tretinoin. They can be removed by a skin doctor.

 

 

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.

 
  • 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) - illustration

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

      Blackheads (comedones)

      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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