Comedo extraction

Comedo extraction
Specialtydermatology

Comedo extraction is a widely used method of treatment for acne vulgaris.[1] A dermatologist or cosmetologist may extract blackheads (open comedones) using gentle pressure around the pore opening, and whiteheads (closed comedones) by incision with a large needle or a blade.[2]

If performed skillfully, this treatment may be beneficial to the patient.[2] Possible negative effects of the procedure include incomplete extraction, refilling, scarring and tissue damage.[2] There are few articles describing the use of comedo extraction in peer-reviewed dermatology journals.[1][needs update] In one 1964 study of extraction of non-inflamed whiteheads on patients' foreheads (the only study of the procedure cited in a 2007 literature review), the procedure reduced the number of future inflamed lesions and the recurrence rate of comedones, but worsened patients' inflamed cystic lesions.[3]

  1. ^ a b Taub AF (September 2007). "Procedural treatments for acne vulgaris". Dermatologic Surgery. 33 (9): 1005–26. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2007.33215.x. PMID 17760592. S2CID 24928883.
  2. ^ a b c Gollnick H, Cunliffe W, et al. (July 2003). "Management of acne". J Am Acad Dermatol. 49 (1): S1–S37. doi:10.1067/mjd.2003.618. PMID 12833004.
  3. ^ Taub AF (September 2007). "Procedural treatments for acne vulgaris". Dermatologic Surgery. 33 (9): 1005–26. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2007.33215.x. PMID 17760592. S2CID 24928883. (Citing Lowney E, Witkowski J, Simons H, Zagula Z (September 1964). "Value of comedo extraction in treatment of acne vulgaris". JAMA. 189 (13): 1000–2. doi:10.1001/jama.1964.03070130020005. PMID 14188876.)