NIC Barber Written (Theory) ExamScientific ConceptsHard
A barber is performing a facial treatment and notices a client has an abnormally large pore on their nose that is clogged with dried sebum and dead skin cells, forming a black head. What is the technical term for this skin lesion?
- APapule
- BComedone
- CPustule
- DMacule
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Comedone
A comedone is a hair follicle that has become clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. An open comedone (blackhead) has a dark appearance due to oxidation of the sebum and melanin, while a closed comedone (whitehead) is covered by skin.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A papule is a small, solid, elevated lesion, typically red and inflamed, but does not specifically describe a clogged pore.
- C. A pustule is a small, circumscribed elevation of the skin containing pus, which is not the primary characteristic described.
- D. A macule is a flat, discolored spot, like a freckle, and does not involve clogging or elevation.
Comedone
A hair follicle that has become clogged with sebum and dead skin cells.
- Can be open (blackhead) or closed (whitehead).
- A primary lesion of acne.
- Often appears on the face, neck, and back.
Memory trick: Comedone: Clogged pore, a common foe.