Skin Plug / Sebum Plug (Not an insect)

Scientific Name: Keratin plug / Comedo

Order & Family: N/A (Dermatological/Biological material)

Size: Typically 1-3 mm in length

Skin Plug / Sebum Plug (Not an insect)

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.

Identified on: 2/25/2026