A whitehead is also called a closed comedo (single for comedone). It is a completely blocked pore. Keratin (skin protein) and sebum (oil) combine to block the pore. Whiteheads can be extracted using a Schaumberg-type comedone extractor as you see here, but often, a superficial nick in the skin must be placed first in the skin to allow easy extraction.
The symptoms of acne are:
- Persistent, recurrent red spots or swelling on the skin, generally known as pimples; the swelling may become inflamed and fill with pus. They typically appear on the face, chest, shoulders, neck, or upper portion of the back.
- Dark spots with open pores at the center (blackheads)
- Tiny white bumps under the skin that have no obvious opening (whiteheads)
- Red swellings or lumps (known as papules) that are visibly filled with pus
Nodules or lumps under the skin that are inflamed, fluid-filled, and often tender; these nodules may become as large as an inch across.
Call Your Doctor About Acne If:
- Your acne makes you unhappy or uncomfortable
- Your acne is producing scars
- Acne is causing dark patches to appear
- You have severe acne, which may produce nodules under the skin and persistent pimples; a dermatologist may recommend prescription drugs to control the condition and prevent permanent scars.
- Your acne doesn’t respond to over-the-counter remedies; you may need medical treatment.
