MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Blackheads (comedones)

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Blackheads (comedones)

Blackheads, or open comedones, are common in acne. Clogged hair follicles reflect light irregularly to produce this black hue.

Update Date: 12/18/2006

Updated by: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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