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Blackheads (comedones)
Blackheads (comedones)

Blackheads

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 comedomes .

Related conditions include:

Considerations

Blackheads can be treated with creams containing salicylic acid or tretinoin.

References

Habif TM. Principles of diagnosis and anatomy. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 1.

Updated: 11/20/2012

Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.


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