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Glite Dictionary
comedo

comedo

9.6
A plug of oil and dead skin that blocks a skin pore and looks like a small black-tipped bump
  • noun
  • /kəˈmiːdoʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : comedo
  • A dermatologist explained that a comedo forms when a hair follicle becomes clogged with oil.

Examples

  • A comedo is often visible as a small bump on the skin, particularly on the nose or forehead.

  • Many teenagers struggle with comedos during puberty.

  • Regular cleansing may help prevent the formation of a comedo and other types of pimples.

  • The patient complained about a persistent comedo on her forehead that would not heal.

  • She has a small comedo on her nose.

  • Regular exfoliation can help reduce the appearance of a comedo and improve skin texture.

  • The esthetician noted that many clients experience a comedo when their skin is oily.

Synonyms

whitehead
vscomedo
12 4.1

A small white bump on the skin from a blocked pore

is often the open blocked pore showing a dark tip rather than a closed bump
blackhead
vscomedo
4 2.5

A small dark spot on the skin caused by a blocked pore

is the broader plugged pore term rather than only the open dark form

How Severe

cyst
30 4.9
pustule
  • Specialized
5 8.1
papule
  • Specialized
1 8.1
comedo
  • Specialized
9.6

Surface Forms

comedo singular
comedos plural

Etymology

The word comedo comes from the Latin parts com- ('together') and edere ('to eat'), so it once meant 'eat together'. Think of oil and dead skin cells coming together and 'filling' a pore, which is why a comedo is a blocked pore.