Skin SciencesQuestion 40 of 100
What is the difference between an open comedone and a closed comedone?
a.An open comedone is an infected cyst, a closed comedone is a scar
b.An open comedone is a secondary lesion, a closed comedone is a primary lesion
c.There is no difference; the terms are interchangeable
d.An open comedone reaches the surface and oxidizes to a dark color, while a closed comedone is covered by skin and appears as a small white bump
Explanation
Open comedones, or blackheads, are exposed to air so the follicular contents oxidize and darken; closed comedones, or whiteheads, remain trapped beneath the surface and look like small flesh-colored or white bumps. The dark color is oxidation, not dirt. Neither is a cyst or a scar, and both are primary lesions.
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