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What is another name for a blackhead?

  1. Closed comedone

  2. Whitehead

  3. Open comedone

  4. Acne vulgaris

The correct answer is: Open comedone

Blackheads are clinically known as open comedones. This term refers to clogged hair follicles that have a wider opening on the skin's surface, allowing the accumulated sebum and dead skin cells to oxidize and darken. In contrast, whiteheads have a closed comedone structure, meaning they are also clogged hair follicles, but the opening is narrower, so the surface remains closed and appears white. Acne vulgaris encompasses a broader category of acne lesions beyond just blackheads and whiteheads, including papules and pustules. Understanding these terms is crucial for identifying and treating different types of acne effectively.