Closed comedones, also known as whiteheads, are a non-inflammatory type of acne lesion. They form when a hair follicle becomes completely blocked, trapping substances beneath the skin’s surface. Understanding their appearance helps differentiate them from other skin conditions.
Key Visual Markers
Closed comedones present as small, smooth, dome-shaped bumps on the skin’s surface. They are skin-colored, whitish, or pearly, and lack a visible pore opening. The clogged follicle’s contents remain covered by a thin layer of skin, preventing exposure to air and oxidation. Unlike other blemishes, closed comedones are non-inflamed, do not contain pus, and are not typically red or tender to the touch.
How They Differ from Other Blemishes
Distinguishing closed comedones from other skin imperfections involves observing specific visual cues. Open comedones, known as blackheads, also result from clogged pores but have a visible opening to the skin’s surface. Their material darkens due to oxidation when exposed to air, not dirt. Milia, often mistaken for whiteheads, are small, hard, white or yellowish cysts formed when keratin, a skin protein, becomes trapped beneath the skin. Milia often appear in clusters, particularly around the eyes, and are not a form of acne, nor can they be easily “popped.”
Papules, a type of inflammatory acne, differ from closed comedones. They appear as small, red, solid bumps that are inflamed and can be tender to the touch. They indicate an immune response in the skin and may progress to pustules, which are red bumps with a white or yellow center filled with pus. Closed comedones, by contrast, are generally not painful and do not have the redness or pus associated with inflamed lesions.
Where and Why They Form
Closed comedones frequently develop on the face, particularly the forehead, chin, and cheeks, where oil glands are most active. They can also appear on the chest and back. These blemishes form when hair follicles become clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells. This accumulation creates a plug that bulges the skin outwards. Hormonal fluctuations can also contribute to increased sebum production, making some individuals more prone to their formation.
Next Steps After Identification
If closed comedones are persistent, widespread, or causing distress, a consultation with a dermatologist or other healthcare provider is advisable. A professional can accurately diagnose the skin condition and recommend appropriate strategies tailored to individual needs. They can also differentiate closed comedones from other conditions that might have a similar appearance.