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Blackhead

By Angela Palmer, About.com

Updated: June 11, 2009

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Blackheads - Open Comedones

Blackheads

Photo © A.D.A.M.
Definition: A non-inflamed acne lesion characterized by an obvious dark brown to black plug at the surface of the pore. The dark coloring is not dirt, but rather a mixture of oil and dead skin cells that have oxidized (darkened) when exposed to air.
Also Known As: Open comedo.
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