Sebaceous Filament / Keratin Plug (Not an insect)
Scientific Name: N/A (Dermatological debris)
Order & Family: N/A
Size: Typically 1-3 mm
Natural Habitat
Found in human skin pores, commonly on the face, nose, or scalp.
Diet & Feeding
N/A (Consists of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria)
Behavior Patterns
This is non-living biological matter. It accumulates naturally in hair follicles as a mix of keratin and sebum, often extruded when pores are squeezed or cleansed.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless debris. Often mistaken for parasites or worms due to their worm-like shape when squeezed out of a pore. No risk to humans, though picking can lead to skin irritation or scarring.
Identified on: 2/21/2026