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"Blackhead"

By Angela Palmer, About.com

Updated: December 13, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

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 comedone, open comedo.

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