This article is about the skin condition; for the poultry disease, see Blackhead disease.

A blackhead (technically known as an open comedone) is a yellowish or blackish bump or plug on the skin. An open comedo or blackhead is a type of acne vulgaris. It is caused by excess oils that have accumulated in the sebaceous gland's duct. Blackheads are typically caused by excessive oil, and makeup. While the contents inside may look dark, it is not dirt; the substance found in these bumps mostly consists of keratin and modified sebum (an oily secretion of the sebaceous gland) ^*

Possible factors that cause blackheads include :

• Excess dead cells blocking the opening to the pore
• Excess production of facial oil
• Improper cleansing routine, facial oil not being removed
• Excess scrubbing of the skin (Scrubs)
• Use of products/makeup (foundations, sunscreens, and moisturizers) that may contain too much oil

Treatment

---

• Removal of the skin bumps or plugs by a dermatologist or certified beautician or by oneself (if possessing the skills to do so)
• Use of gentle exfoliants
• Application of benzoyl peroxide in anti-acne products.
• Phototherapy with blue/red light
• Frequent, thorough cleansing of the skin with quality facial products.
• Removal by using adhesive facial strips.
• Using a steel blackhead remover tool called a comedo extractor.
• In cases of severe recalcitrant nodular acne, by the use of the drug Accutane (isotretinoin).

See also

---

• Acne vulgaris
• Pimple

External links

---

Dermatology | Pathology