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.

Open References

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.

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

Self Care

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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Health Library

Comedones

Acne

Blackheads

Whiteheads

References

Acne - close-up of pustular lesions - illustration

Acne - close-up of pustular lesions

Blackheads (comedones) - illustration

Blackheads (comedones)

Blackheads (comedones) close-up - illustration

Blackheads (comedones) close-up

Acne - cystic on the chest - illustration

Acne - cystic on the chest

Acne - cystic on the face - illustration

Acne - cystic on the face

Acne - vulgaris on the back - illustration

Acne - vulgaris on the back

Acne - close-up of cysts on the back - illustration

Acne - close-up of cysts on the back

Acne - cystic on the back - illustration

Acne - cystic on the back