The term comedone is used to describe small bumps on the skin that form when a hair follicle becomes blocked with dead skin cells and oil. People of all ages and skin types can suffer from comedones, which can also be called blackheads or whiteheads, depending on whether the pores are open or closed.
Comedones are caused by excess sebum production, a natural oil that lubricates the skin and hair. Sebum can mix with dead skin cells, bacteria, and other debris and form plugs in hair follicles that oxidize and turn black (blackheads) or remain white (whiteheads).
Some factors that can increase the risk of developing comedones are:
Hormonal changes, such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
Genetics, as some people have more oily skin than others
Medications, such as steroids, birth control pills, or lithium
Cosmetics, especially those that are oil-based or comedogenic (pore-clogging)
Environmental factors, such as humidity, pollution, or sweat
Stress, which can trigger inflammation and sebum production
There are several types of comedones, but most commonly they occur on the nose, chin, and forehead. They can also occur on the chest, back, shoulders, neck, or arms, but they aren't painful or inflamed until they become infected or irritated. Depending on the severity of the condition, they may vary in size, color, and number.
Dermatologists specialize in treating skin conditions, and they can diagnose COMEDONES. The dermatologist will inspect the patient's skin and ask for his or her medical history, lifestyle, and skincare routine in addition to diagnosing the condition. A dermatologist may also perform some tests, such as a skin scraping, a culture, or a biopsy, to rule out other possible causes of skin lesions, such as fungal infections, rosacea, or skin cancer.
The treatment of comedones depends on the type, number, and location of the lesions, as well as the preference and skin type of the patient. Some of the common treatment options are:
Topical medications, such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or azelaic acid, which can help unclog the pores and prevent new comedones from forming
Oral medications, such as antibiotics, isotretinoin, or hormonal therapy, which can reduce inflammation and sebum production
Mechanical extraction, which involves using a sterile instrument to remove the plug from the pore
Chemical peels, which use acids to exfoliate the top layer of the skin and remove the comedones
Microdermabrasion, which uses a device to spray tiny crystals on the skin and remove the comedones
Laser therapy, which uses light energy to destroy the sebum-producing glands and reduce the comedones
Photodynamic therapy, which uses a photosensitizing agent and a light source to kill the bacteria and reduce the comedones
Comedones can be prevented by following a good skincare routine and avoiding the factors that can trigger or worsen the condition. Some of the preventive measures are:
Washing the face twice a day with a gentle cleanser and warm water
Using oil-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic cosmetics and skincare products
Removing makeup before going to bed
Exfoliating the skin once or twice a week with a mild scrub or a chemical exfoliant
Moisturizing the skin with a lightweight, non-greasy lotion or gel
Avoiding touching, picking, or squeezing the comedones, as this can cause infection, scarring, or inflammation
Avoiding excessive sun exposure and using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats
Drinking plenty of water to hydrate the skin and flush out toxins
Managing stress levels with relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises
