Are the black spots on the nose all blackheads?

Not really

The black spots on the nose are usually called "blackheads", but the actual situation is more complicated. These black spots actually have several possibilities and cannot be replaced by the word "blackheads".

Among them, the most common is "lipid microfilaments", which refers to a filamentous substance composed of sebum secreted by sebaceous glands, keratinocyte debris and bacteria, mainly distributed in areas with strong sebum secretion, such as the nose and the sides of the nose. It is usually gray and has strong fluidity. If lipid microfilaments persist for too long, the surface will oxidize and turn black, and it may look like a blackhead.

Some people who have recurrent acne may have blackheads on their noses, which is another type of "blackhead". This type of acne is mainly caused by the accumulation of keratin in the pores, forming a keratin plug, which is hard and has poor fluidity, and can develop into red, swollen, and painful acne.

Some blackheads on the nose are just hairs growing out of the pores, and can only be seen if you look closely or zoom in. This is not uncommon, especially near the sides of the nostrils.

As can be seen from the above, the so-called blackheads on the nose actually have different mechanisms of occurrence and cannot be generalized. If you are not sure what skin problem the black spots on the nose are, it is best to consult a professional dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment, and avoid squeezing them yourself or using improper methods to avoid skin damage or infection.

Author: Tang Jiaoqing, MD, attending physician of dermatology

Review | Feng Jun, deputy chief physician of the Dermatology Department of Sinopharm Tongmei General Hospital