Blackheads are an open follicle filled with sebum and dead skin cells to form a black plug. As the sebum and dead skin cells build up and expand the follicle a large opening can be seen (large pore) with black contents. The black contents are due to a chemical reaction with the sebum and the melanin is oxidized and turns the clogged pores a black color. Blackheads can be found anywhere on the body, but most commonly on the nose, face and back.

Whiteheads usually are small and are mainly on the surface of the skin. A white soft center can easily be observed. These are closed follicles that are blocked from oil and dead skin cells. They differ from Papules in that they are "squishy" versus hard and are not generally painful to touch. They are easily extracted and resolve quickly.

Papules are usually small, hard white bumps that can be painful to the touch. They are a result of a follicle that is blocked with oil and a build-up of dead skin cells which trap bacteria at the base within the follicle causing pressure and inflammation. The follicle wall can eventually burst which can result in a pustule. These are very painful to extract and can often become worse with extraction if done incorrectly and turn into a cyst.

Pustules often develop from a papule that has ruptured from pressure and inflammation. They often are ooze with yellow pus as the bacteria inside the follicle comes to the surface. They skin surrounding the pustule is usually red and sensitive if touched. Care needs to be taken when when extracting these to ensure bacteria is not spread.

Cystic pimples often start out as a red painful bump under the skin with evidence of a hard white center (plug) . They are sensitive to touch and fill with pus, blood and lymph. These need to be properly extracted to avoid pushing the contents and the plug deeper into the skin and spreading more bacteria under the surface. These typically hang around until the "plug" is removed carefully. Cysts can cause scarring and the goal is to eliminate the root cause of the cyst formation.

Nodules are a hard lump that forms deep under the skin. They are often painful to touch and you can tell one is forming when the area is sensitive even without being able to see the nodule. They can be red or a purple color and can last for a very long time. They do not form a head and cannot be extracted, attempting to do so makes the inflammation and pain worse. Do not attempt to extract these.