How common are blackheads in acne?

A blackhead is an open comedone: a pore containing oil and shed skin cells whose surface is open to air. The dark colour comes from oxidation at the pore opening, not from trapped dirt. Acne can include blackheads alongside whiteheads, red bumps, or deeper tender spots. The presence of blackheads describes one acne feature; it does not show how severe the whole condition is.

Wash gently with lukewarm water and avoid scrubbing, squeezing, or using rough pore strips, which can irritate the skin. Choose products labelled non-comedogenic when possible. A clinician may suggest a topical retinoid or another pore-clearing treatment, selected for your skin and any medicines or pregnancy plans. Apply treatment consistently as directed and expect improvement to take time rather than changing products every few days.

Arrange a dermatology review if spots are painful, deep, scarring, spreading, or not improving with careful over-the-counter care. Seek prompt assessment for rapidly changing skin, marked swelling, pus with worsening pain, or symptoms affecting your general health. A clinician can examine the pores and separate acne from conditions that can look similar.

Ask whether your skin shows mainly open comedones or a mixture of acne lesions, which active ingredient suits you, how to reduce irritation, and when treatment should be reviewed. Mention products you already use and whether you have a history of scarring.