New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

When using a comedone extractor, the loop should be positioned around which of the following?

1. Skin tags

2. Blackheads

3. Comedones

4. Whiteheads

The correct answer is: Comedones

The loop of a comedone extractor is specifically designed to be positioned around comedones, which are clogged pores that can appear as either blackheads or whiteheads. When dealing with a comedone, the extractor helps to apply pressure around the clogged pore, facilitating the removal of the material inside without damaging the surrounding skin. Blackheads are open comedones that appear dark due to oxidized material at the surface, while whiteheads are closed comedones. Although the extractor can be used on both types, referring to it specifically as "comedones" encompasses both forms, affirming its purpose in extracting the contents of clogged pores regardless of their state. Using the extractor on skin tags is inappropriate, as skin tags are a different skin condition that requires a more delicate approach, and utilizing the tool on these will not effectively address them. Thus, the most accurate and encompassing term to describe what the comedone extractor targets is "comedones."