Acne Care – Comedone Extraction

Comedones, are often seen in an acne skin. They are either closed, which are the whiteheads, or skin coloured small pimples, or the 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 ncrease of inflammation and lead to potential scarring.

The technique involves the Physician, 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. After which, the treated areas, are bandaged to prevent any infection. The bandage must remain on the site of 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. Sunlight is to be avoided, after treatment, and the Physician, will recommend, after care, skin care products. Also, if there is any signs of infection, or discomfort, the patient should contact the Physician at once.

Information written by Christine Burden TalkAcne Web Page Manager