Comedo Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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comedo
[kəˈmiːdəʊ ]
Definition
skin care
A comedo is a clogged hair follicle (pore) in the skin. Keratin (skin debris) combines with oil to block the follicle. A comedo can be open (blackhead) or closed by skin (whitehead), and occur with or without acne.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| comedo |
Used in medical or dermatological contexts as a general term for a clogged hair follicle. It can refer to both blackheads and whiteheads.
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| blackhead |
Commonly used in everyday conversation to describe a type of comedo that appears black due to oxidation. It is frequently mentioned in beauty and skincare contexts.
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| whitehead |
Used in everyday conversation and beauty/skincare contexts to describe a type of comedo that has a white or flesh-colored appearance. It refers to a clogged hair follicle that hasn't been exposed to air.
|
| pimple |
A general term used in everyday conversation to describe a small, often red, raised spot on the skin, usually due to infection or inflammation of a sebaceous gland. It can be used to describe both comedos and more mature acne lesions.
|
Examples of usage
- Regular exfoliation can help prevent comedones from forming.
- She had a few comedones on her nose.
- Comedones are a common skin concern for many people.
- The dermatologist recommended a gentle cleanser to help with comedo removal.
- Using non-comedogenic products can reduce the likelihood of developing comedones.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Comedos are classified into two types: open comedos (blackheads) that are dark due to oxidation and closed comedos (whiteheads) that are covered by skin.
- They are commonly associated with acne, which is the most prevalent skin condition affecting people of all ages.
Health & Hygiene
- Keeping skin clean and using gentle exfoliants can help prevent the formation of comedos.
- Certain ingredients like salicylic acid can effectively treat them by unclogging pores.
Pop Culture
- In popular beauty culture, 'blackhead removers' and facials targeting comedos are widely marketed, often featuring viral challenges on social media.
- Comedo extraction has been a popular treatment in many skincare clinics and even in various beauty YouTube tutorials.
Literature
- In skincare literature, comedos are frequently discussed in the context of acne treatment methods, including natural and over-the-counter remedies.
- Many dermatological textbooks include diagrams and case studies about how comedos develop and can be treated effectively.
Origin of 'comedo'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'comedo' comes from Latin, which means 'to eat up', referencing how dead skin and oils clog up the pores.
- In English, the term has been used since the early 19th century to describe skin blemishes in the context of dermatology.
The word 'comedo' comes from Latin, where it means 'glutton' or 'eater of unripe fruits'. In medical terminology, it was first used in the 19th century to describe a type of skin lesion. Comedones are a common skin issue, especially in adolescents, and proper skincare routines can help prevent their formation.