Blackhead: A collection of sebum, dead skin cells and keratin that plugs the opening of a pore. Its dark colour is not due to dirt but may be due to a build-up of melanin, the dark pigment in your skin. Also called an open comedone.

Comedone: An acne blemish caused by blocked pores that isn’t red or inflamed. “Open comedones” are also known as blackheads and “closed comedones” are also known as whiteheads.

Cyst: Very large and deep lumps that can be painful and inflamed. Cysts can be the size of pencil erasers or larger. May also be called a nodule.

Keratin: A type of protein that is found in the skin, hair and nails.

Nodule: Very large and deep lumps that can be painful and inflamed. Nodules can be the size of pencil erasers or larger. May also be called a cyst.

Oil glands: The glands that produce oil for the skin. You can have acne on any part of your skin where there are oil glands.

Papule: A red, inflamed acne blemish that is larger than whiteheads/blackheads. Papules are what most people call zits or pimples. Similar to a pustule.

Pustule: A red, inflamed acne blemish that is larger than whiteheads/blackheads. Pustules are what most people call zits or pimples. Similar to a papule.

Sebaceous glands: Another name for oil glands.

Sebum: The oil glands in your skin produce sebum to moisturize and help the skin act as a protective barrier. The sebum within each oil gland is carried to the surface of your skin through pores.

Whitehead: A small, painless, whitish lump in the skin due to a clogged oil gland. Also called a closed comedone.

Questions or concerns about taking ACCUTANE^™?
Talk to your doctor or call 1-888-XEDITON (933-4866).