Oregon Esthetician State Board

What is a key feature of a blackhead compared to other types of acne?

1. It's inflamed and red

2. It's open to the air

3. It's painful to touch

4. It involves hair follicles only

The correct answer is: It's open to the air

The defining characteristic of a blackhead is that it is open to the air, which leads to its distinct appearance. Blackheads are formed when a hair follicle becomes clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and debris, and the top of the clogged pore remains open. This exposure to the air causes the material within the follicle to oxidize and turn dark, giving a blackhead its typical coloration. In contrast, other types of acne, like pustules or papules, usually appear inflamed or red, indicating that there is irritation or infection present. Additionally, blackheads are not typically painful to touch, as they do not involve inflammation. While they do involve hair follicles, this characteristic is not exclusive to blackheads, as various forms of acne can also affect hair follicles. Thus, the feature of being open to the air is what sets blackheads apart from other types of acne.