Comedo extraction

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Comedo extraction
Specialty dermatology

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]

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References

  1. 1 2 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. 1 2 3 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.)