What is comedonal acne characterized by?

Comedonal acne is specifically characterized by the presence of open and closed comedones, which are commonly referred to as blackheads and whiteheads. Open comedones occur when hair follicles become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells, leading to a darkened surface due to oxidation; these are known as blackheads. Closed comedones occur when the clogged pore remains closed, resulting in a small, flesh-colored bump under the skin, commonly called a whitehead. This distinction is crucial for understanding how comedonal acne differs from other types of acne, which may involve more severe inflammation and the formation of pustules or cysts.

Other acne types like inflammatory acne might show visible inflammation and pus-filled lesions, whereas comedonal acne is usually non-inflammatory and primarily presents with these comedone formations. Additionally, scarring and redness are more characteristic of advanced or severe acne types, not specifically associated with comedonal acne alone.