What distinguishes blackheads from whiteheads?

Blackheads and whiteheads are both types of acne lesions, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. The correct distinction primarily lies in their color and exposure to air.

Blackheads are open comedones, meaning that the pore is open to the surface. When the material inside the pore, which consists of sebum and dead skin cells, is exposed to air, it undergoes oxidation. This exposure causes the material to turn dark, giving blackheads their characteristic color.

In contrast, whiteheads are closed comedones. In this case, the pore is blocked, and the material remains beneath the surface of the skin, leading to a white or flesh-colored appearance. The lack of exposure to air prevents oxidation, which is why they do not turn dark like blackheads.

Understanding this difference highlights the importance of how various acne forms can develop based on the condition of the skin and the pore's openness.