Which term is an alternative name for whiteheads?

Which term is an alternative name for whiteheads?

• A. Blackheads
• B. Vesicles
• C. Closed comedones
• D. Open comedones

Answer: (C)

Whiteheads are closed comedones: a hair follicle gets blocked with sebum and keratin, but the opening is sealed, so the plug remains under the surface and appears white or flesh-colored. The closed nature prevents air from oxidizing the material, which is why it stays white rather than dark. By contrast, open comedones are visible openings with a plug exposed to air, which darkens and becomes a blackhead. Vesicles are a different type of lesion, fluid-filled rather than a clogged follicle. So the term that matches whiteheads is closed comedones.

Whiteheads are closed comedones: a hair follicle gets blocked with sebum and keratin, but the opening is sealed, so the plug remains under the surface and appears white or flesh-colored. The closed nature prevents air from oxidizing the material, which is why it stays white rather than dark. By contrast, open comedones are visible openings with a plug exposed to air, which darkens and becomes a blackhead. Vesicles are a different type of lesion, fluid-filled rather than a clogged follicle. So the term that matches whiteheads is closed comedones.