Comedone extraction
Comedones are often seen in an acne skin. They are either closed, which are the whiteheads, or skin coloured small pimples, or open blackheads. The colour of the blackheads is not due to dirt, but rather because of the surface pigment called melanin. They are mainly found on the forehead and chin. As the comedones are full of acids, bacteria and other material, such as dead skin cells, scarring could be the end result if left untreated.
Comedone Extraction should be undertaken by a physician, who seeks to remove any inflammation, pus and infective material, due to acne comedones, and thus help to reduce any scarring from an acne lesion. It is therefore always advisable to have the procedure performed by a professional as any undue force applied when removing a comedone could result in an increase of inflammation and lead to potential scarring.
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The technique involves the healthcare professional cleansing the area with spirit. For open comedones, a comedone extractor instrument is then placed central to the comedone and a firm downward pressure is applied. The unwanted material is then removed from the comedone. For closed comedones the top of the lesion is first pierced with a sterile needle. This will help make the extraction of the material less traumatic. |
The area is then injected with a steroid which will reduce and stop any inflammation. The treated areas are then bandaged to prevent any infection. The bandage must remain on the treated area for 24 hours.
There may be some bruising and pigment changes after the treatment. Usually, healing is fairly rapid at first despite some soreness and inflammation. If there are any signs of infection or discomfort, the patient should contact their healthcare professional for advice.
Information written by the talkhealth medical panel
Last Reviewed: 3 March 2011
Next Review Date: 1 November 2013
