# whitehead

/ˈhwaɪtˌhɛd/ (US) · /wˈaɪthɛd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/whitehead
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a small, white bump on your skin that happens when a pore gets clogged with oil and dead skin. It is a common type of acne that stays under the surface of the skin.

For teachers: a small, pale papule formed by the accumulation of sebum and keratin within a hair follicle whose opening is closed. Often contrasted with blackheads, which are open to the air and oxidise.

## Examples

- I woke up with a small whitehead on my chin.
- Dermatologists recommend using a gentle cleanser rather than squeezing a whitehead, which can lead to scarring.
- The clinical trial focused on topical treatments designed to dissolve the keratin plug of a whitehead before the surrounding tissue becomes inflamed.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in both medical and everyday contexts to describe closed comedones.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.