Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Exam Prep 2026 – Complete Practice Resource

The correct answer pertains to closed comedones, which are indeed referred to as whiteheads. These lesions are formed when hair follicles become clogged with sebum (oil), dead skin cells, and other debris. When this blockage occurs beneath the skin's surface, it leads to the characteristic raised, white appearance of whiteheads.

Closed comedones are a common form of acne and often appear on areas of the face, chest, and back. Unlike open comedones, or blackheads, which are exposed to air and oxidize, closed comedones remain encapsulated beneath the skin surface, resulting in their distinct white appearance.

The other lesion types mentioned differ significantly in their pathology and presentation. Pustules are characterized by a visible pus accumulation at their center and are typically red and inflamed. Cysts are deeper-rooted lesions filled with fluid or semisolid material and may be painful or inflamed. Nodules are larger, firmer lesions that extend deeper into the skin, often presenting solid and elevated. Thus, identifying closed comedones as whiteheads highlights the unique characteristics that differentiate them from other acne forms.