The pore of an open comedone appears ___________ due to the sebum being exposed to the environment.

The pore of an open comedone appears ___________ due to the sebum being exposed to the environment.

• A. White
• B. Black
• C. Red
• D. Clear

Answer: (B)

When sebum in the hair follicle is exposed to air, it oxidizes and darkens, so the pore of an open comedone looks black. This oxidation of lipids is what creates the dark, charcoal-like plug known as a blackhead. If the pore were closed, the material stays beneath the surface and remains pale, resulting in a whitehead. Red would indicate inflammation, and clear isn’t typical for a clogged pore.

When sebum in the hair follicle is exposed to air, it oxidizes and darkens, so the pore of an open comedone looks black. This oxidation of lipids is what creates the dark, charcoal-like plug known as a blackhead. If the pore were closed, the material stays beneath the surface and remains pale, resulting in a whitehead. Red would indicate inflammation, and clear isn’t typical for a clogged pore.