Pigmentation of open comedones. An ultrastructural study.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Histology
• Skin Biology

Background:

• Open comedones, commonly known as blackheads, are a hallmark of acne vulgaris.
• The characteristic dark color of open comedones has been attributed to melanin pigment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the ultrastructural basis of the "black" color in open comedones.
• To determine the presence and quantity of melanin within comedonal plugs.

Main Methods:

• Ultrastructural examination of expressed open comedones.
• Microscopic analysis to identify melanosomes and melanin pigment.

Main Results:

• No single melanosomes or melanosome complexes were observed in the comedonal plugs.
• Any melanin present in the comedonal plugs was found in minimal amounts.
• The minimal melanin content cannot explain the observed black color of open comedones.

Conclusions:

• Melanin is not the primary determinant of the "black" color in open comedones.
• The dark pigmentation of blackheads is likely due to other factors not related to melanin.