Sebum Plug (often mistaken for a parasite or skin mite)
Scientific Name: Keratin/Sebum Plug (Not an organism)
Order & Family: N/A (Biological waste product)
Size: Typically 1-3 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found in human hair follicles and pores, particularly on the scalp, face, and back.
Diet & Feeding
N/A (Non-living organic matter)
Behavior Patterns
These hard formations develop when oil (sebum) and dead skin cells (keratin) accumulate and harden within a pore or hair follicle. They eventually dislodge or are squeezed out.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can lead to acne, blackheads, or enlarged pores if pores remain clogged; may become inflamed if infected by bacteria. Benefits: None, it is a byproduct of normal skin function, though its removal clears the pore.
Identified on: 2/21/2026