Bug Identifier
Skin Plug / Sebum Plug (Not an insect)
Community identification

Skin Plug / Sebum Plug (Not an insect)

Keratin plug / Comedo

Order & Family
N/A (Dermatological/Biological material)
Size
Typically 1-3 mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found in human skin pores, commonly on the face, back, or chest. Often extracted onto tissues or wipes.

Diet & Feeding

N/A (Non-living biological debris)

Behavior Patterns

These form when oil (sebum) and dead skin cells (keratin) accumulate and harden inside a hair follicle, blocking the pore.

Risks & Benefits

Benign. These are harmless accumulations of biological material but can be associated with acne or keratosis pilaris. They are often mistaken for parasites or worms due to their shape.