Site Search:

Medical words

Acne can be described using many unfamiliar words. Here's what some of the common acne-related medical terms mean. 

Open comedones Blackheads   pores that are visibly blocked. 
Closed comedones White heads  usually small skin coloured bumps indicating a blocked pore underneath.  
Papules  Red, soft, non-tender swellings of the skin. 
Pustules Pus filled swellings of the skin.  
Nodules & cysts Hard, often painful lumps sometimes deep into the skin.
Macules  Flat, red or discoloured spot on the skin where acne is healing. May fade over weeks to months.
Scars  Permanent mark in the skin after acne has healed - may be flat or deep.
Sebum  The oil secreted by the sebaceous gland within the hair follicle.
Propionibacterium  The bacteria commonly associated with acne.
Dermatologists  Doctors who are specialists in skin disorders. 
Topical treatments   Creams, gels and lotions applied to the affected area of skin.  
Oral treatments  Tablets, capsules and medicines taken by mouth. 
Non-comedo genic/Non acnegenic  Products specially tested in acne prone individuals and proven not to clog pores and worsen acne. 
 
© 2009 | All about Acne, Australia |