Comedone
Pronunciation: KOM-eh-dohn (singular); kom-eh-DOH-neez (plural)
A blocked hair follicle plug consisting of sebum and keratin, classified as open (blackhead) or closed (whitehead), commonly addressed in cosmetic dermatology treatments.
Full Definition
A comedone (plural: comedones) is the primary non-inflammatory acne lesion formed when a hair follicle becomes occluded with a mixture of dead skin cells (keratin) and sebum. An open comedone, or blackhead, has a dilated follicular opening exposed to air, causing oxidation of melanin that gives it its dark color. A closed comedone, or whitehead, remains beneath the skin surface. In cosmetic dermatology, comedones are treated with topical retinoids, salicylic acid peels, and physical extraction. Editors must use the correct plural 'comedones', not 'comedos'; and should distinguish the term from 'cyst' or 'papule', which are different lesion morphologies.
Usage
Usage note: The correct plural is 'comedones', not 'comedos'. Distinguish from milia (keratin-filled epidermal cysts) and from inflammatory lesions such as papules and pustules.
In Context
- "The patient's forehead was covered in closed comedones consistent with comedonal acne." — Dermatology assessment note
- "The draft used 'comedos' as the plural form; this was corrected to 'comedones' in line with clinical convention." — Medical copyediting task