---
title: MedlinePlus — Acne
entity_type: Source
canonical_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/medlineplus-acne
date_modified: 2026-05-10
date_reviewed: 2026-05-10
mcp_eligible: true
source_type: medical_reference
original_source_url: https://medlineplus.gov/acne.html
evidence_sources: []
product_fact_sources: []
---

# MedlinePlus — Acne

## Quick Summary

Public-health reference identifying blackheads as part of the acne/comedone family and summarizing basic care.

## What Studied

This Source page records the evidence item used by the blackheads-on-nose page. It is used for definition, consumer-care guidance, ingredient mechanism context, tolerability framing, or evidence support for salicylic acid and adapalene in comedone-prone routines.

## Main Findings

For this page, the source supports conservative appearance-level guidance: blackheads are open comedones rather than dirt; gentle routines are preferable to scrubbing and squeezing; salicylic acid and adapalene are relevant topical actives; and irritation can happen when active routines are introduced too aggressively.

## Why It Matters

This source helps keep the page grounded in verifiable dermatology, regulatory, public-health, or peer-reviewed material rather than marketing claims. It also supports the page's distinction between visible blackhead care and medical acne decision-making.

## Related Entities

- [Adapalene](https://skinknowledgebase.com/ingredients/adapalene)
- [How do I get rid of blackheads on my nose?](https://skinknowledgebase.com/questions/how-do-i-get-rid-of-blackheads-on-my-nose)