Dilated Pore of Winer: The “Giant Blackhead” Pimple — What It Is, Why It Forms, Removal Options and When to See a Dermatologist — What You Need to Know
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD | Last reviewed: October 31, 2026
Quick Answer
A dilated pore of Winer is a common, enlarged blackhead that forms at a hair follicle, usually on the head, neck, face or torso, appearing as a single raised pore with a blue-to-black plug. [1] It is benign and harmless. Small ones can be removed with a comedone extractor, while large ones need in-office removal. [1] Do not pick or pop it.
What the research says
Published evidence is mostly case reports. There are no large trials of dilated pore of Winer; the literature is dominated by individual case reports. One recent report described a 28-year-old woman with a slowly enlarging, comedo-like lesion on the thigh for two years; surgical excision showed a keratin-filled dilated follicular infundibulum, and the lesion was completely excised without complications, showing it can occur in younger adults and at unusual sites (Ahmad et al., Cureus, 2025) [4].
It can occasionally sit alongside other skin growths, so changes deserve a check. A case report and literature review noted that dilated pore of Winer has been described in “collisions” with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and trichoblastoma, and described the first collision with a melanoma in situ, diagnosed with sequential dermoscopy (Cabrera et al., Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 2022) [5].
What is a dilated pore of Winer?
A dilated pore of Winer is a common, enlarged blackhead pimple (comedo) that originates where hair grows at the hair follicle. It can appear on your head, neck and torso, ranging in size from a few millimeters to more than a centimeter. [1]
What is the difference between a blackhead and a dilated pore of Winer?
The difference between a blackhead and a dilated pore of Winer is size. A dilated pore of Winer is a large blackhead. Both are formed because of clogged pores. A mixture of air and the exposed contents of the clogged pore turn the blemish black through oxidization. [1]
Feature | Regular blackhead | Dilated pore of Winer |
What it is | A small clogged pore (comedo) | An enlarged, “giant” blackhead |
Size | Typically a few millimeters | A few millimeters to more than a centimeter |
How it forms | Dead skin cells clog the pore | Same mechanism — the plug collects and enlarges the pore |
Why it looks black | Oxidization (air mixing with pore contents) | Oxidization (air mixing with pore contents) |
Harmful? | No | No — benign, not cancer |
Who does a dilated pore of Winer affect?
A dilated pore of Winer occurs in adults and can appear as early as 20 years old. However, cases usually appear after age 40 and are most common in older ages. Men are more likely to get a dilated pore of Winer, and the tumors are more frequent in people who are white. [1]
Risk profile | Detail |
Age | Occurs in adults; can appear as early as 20; usually appears after 40; most common in older ages |
Sex | Men are more likely to get it |
Skin tone | More frequent in people who are white |
Skin history | Associated with a history of severe acne and/or cystic acne |
Are dilated pores of Winer bad?
Although commonly identified as a tumor, dilated pores of Winer are not a sign of cancer — they are benign. They cannot be spread (non-infectious) and pose no threat to your overall health. [1]
What are the symptoms of a dilated pore of Winer?
The symptoms of a dilated pore of Winer include one enlarged, raised, circular pore covered by a blue to black dot (plug) with normal surrounding skin, located on the head, neck, face or torso. [1] It does not cause any pain or discomfort (asymptomatic).
Symptom feature | What you will see or feel |
Appearance | One enlarged, raised, circular pore covered by a blue to black dot (plug) |
Surrounding skin | Normal |
Location | Head, neck, face or torso |
Pain | None — painless (asymptomatic) |
Does it hurt to have a dilated pore of Winer?
Unless you injure the pore, squeeze or pick it, your dilated pore of Winer should not be painful. If it is sore, red or leaking pus, it is infected. Make sure you clean the pore as you would a wound and use an antibiotic ointment if you notice an infection. You can also reach out to your healthcare provider to either remove the infected pore or treat it with antibiotics. [1]
What causes a dilated pore of Winer?
A dilated pore of Winer forms similar to a blackhead pimple, where dead skin cells clog the pore (hair follicle). Dead skin cells (keratin) and skin oil (sebum) collect and plug up the pore, causing the pore to enlarge (dilate). [1] The clogged pore turns black when its contents combine with air exposure (oxidization).
While the direct cause of a dilated pore of Winer is unknown, it has been associated with people who have a history of severe acne and/or cystic acne. [1]
Step in the process | What happens |
1. Clogging | Dead skin cells clog the pore at the hair follicle |
2. Plug formation | Dead skin cells (keratin) and skin oil (sebum) collect in the pore |
3. Dilation | The plug enlarges (dilates) the pore |
4. Oxidization | Air exposure turns the exposed contents black |
How is a dilated pore of Winer diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider can diagnose a dilated pore of Winer by a visual examination. You should not need any test to diagnose this condition. [1]
How is a dilated pore of Winer treated?
No treatment is necessary unless your dilated pore of Winer becomes red, swollen and/or leaks pus (infection). [1] You can treat the infection by cleaning the pore and using an antibiotic ointment. If the infection persists, reach out to your healthcare provider to examine the pore and offer treatment options like prescribing an antibiotic to help fight infection.
In most cases, your healthcare provider can remove a dilated pore of Winer if you don’t like how the pore looks on your skin.
How do you remove a small dilated pore of Winer?
Smaller dilated pores of Winer can simply be removed with tweezers and a comedone extractor tool that will empty the contents of the pore. [1] When removing the dilated pore of Winer, cleaning out all the contents of the pore reduces the risk of it returning.
How do you remove a large dilated pore of Winer?
If you have a large dilated pore of Winer, don’t try to remove it at home. Your healthcare provider will remove your large dilated pore of Winer by injecting a small amount of anesthetic near the pore and cutting the skin to remove the contents of the pore. Once the pore is empty, they will stitch the opening closed. Depending on the size of the pore, stitches are typically removed after 10 days when the wound heals. [1]
Removal method | For which size | What happens |
Tweezers + comedone extractor | Small pores | Contents are emptied; cleaning out all contents reduces the risk of return |
In-office removal | Large pores | Local anesthetic is injected, the skin is cut, the contents are removed and the opening is stitched closed; stitches are typically removed after 10 days |
How do you close a dilated pore of Winer?
Your healthcare provider will close large dilated pores of Winer with stitches after removing the contents of the pore. Small dilated pores of Winer, similar to the size of a traditional blackhead, should close on their own after squeezing the contents of the pore out with tweezers.
What medications treat a dilated pore of Winer?
Use prescribed antibiotics to treat an infected dilated pore of Winer. No other medications are needed for treatment.
Will my dilated pore of Winer return after removal?
It is likely that a dilated pore of Winer will return after removal if the contents of the pore were not entirely removed. [1] To prevent this, use a skincare routine that cleans pores without clogging them (non-comedogenic).
How long does it take to recover from removal?
If your healthcare provider removes the dilated pore of Winer, it could take up to 10 days for the pore to heal.
What can I expect if I have a dilated pore of Winer?
You can remove a dilated pore of Winer if you don’t like how it looks on your skin, but it isn’t necessary since the pore doesn’t pose any threat to your health.
If your dilated pore of Winer is large, bothersome and you choose to get it removed by your healthcare provider, the likelihood that it will return depends on whether or not they removed the contents of the pore completely. A dilated pore of Winer will return if the pore is still clogged.
How can I reduce my risk of getting a dilated pore of Winer?
Since the cause is unknown, there is not a method to prevent a dilated pore of Winer from appearing on your skin. [1]
In order to prevent your pores from clogging, you can use skincare products that don’t clog pores (non-comedogenic), use a cleanser when washing your skin to exfoliate, treat acne when it occurs (use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to dry out dead skin cells) and wear sunscreen. [1]
Prevention step | How it helps |
Non-comedogenic products | Skincare that doesn’t clog pores |
Cleanser with exfoliation | Washes and exfoliates the skin when cleansing |
Treat acne early | Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid dries out dead skin cells |
Sunscreen | Protects the skin as part of a healthy routine |
How do I take care of myself with a dilated pore of Winer?
The best way to take care of yourself if you have a dilated pore of Winer is to avoid touching, picking at it or trying to pop the pore like a pimple. [1] When you bother the pore, it can be painful like a sore or a small wound. Make sure you keep the pore clean and use antibiotic ointment if it becomes infected or irritated.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
If you suspect you have an irritated pore that is red, inflamed and leaking pus, or you simply want the pore removed, visit your healthcare provider. [1] Also see a provider promptly for any lesion that is growing, changing shape or not healing.
What the clinical experts say. “While a dilated pore of Winer may look concerning, it isn’t a threat to your health. These large blackhead pimples are common in adults, especially in the elderly, and can be removed if you don’t like how they look on your skin.” — Cleveland Clinic
Questions to ask your provider
Question | Why it helps |
Do you recommend I get my dilated pore of Winer removed? | Removal is optional — it poses no health threat |
Will my dilated pore of Winer come back after removal? | Return is likely if the contents are not entirely removed |
Is my dilated pore of Winer infected? | Redness, swelling and pus mean infection that may need antibiotics |
The Bottom Line: What You Need to Know About Dilated Pores of Winer
A dilated pore of Winer is the dermatological equivalent of a giant blackhead — a single enlarged pore plugged with oxidized sebum and keratin, sitting on otherwise normal skin. It appears most often on the head, neck, face and torso of adults over 40, more frequently in men and in people who are white. [1] The one fact worth remembering first: it is benign. Despite being called a tumor, it is not cancer, it cannot spread infection to others, and it poses no threat to your health.
Removal is entirely optional. Small pores empty easily with tweezers and a comedone extractor, while large ones need an in-office procedure with local anesthetic and stitches — healing takes up to 10 days. The pore is likely to return if its contents aren’t fully removed, which is why keeping pores clean with a non-comedogenic routine matters.
The one hard rule: don’t pick at it. Squeezing or popping turns a painless bump into a painful sore and invites infection. If the pore becomes red, inflamed or leaks pus, or you simply want it gone, see your healthcare provider.
Take the first step. Leave the pore alone, keep your skin clean with non-comedogenic products, treat any acne early with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, wear sunscreen, and book an appointment if the pore bothers you or shows signs of infection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a dilated pore of Winer?
A common, enlarged blackhead pimple (comedo) that originates where hair grows at the hair follicle. It appears on the head, neck, face or torso and ranges from a few millimeters to more than a centimeter.
What does a dilated pore of Winer look like?
One enlarged, raised, circular pore covered by a blue to black dot (plug), with normal surrounding skin.
Is a dilated pore of Winer the same as a giant blackhead?
Essentially yes. The only difference between a blackhead and a dilated pore of Winer is size — it is a large blackhead formed by the same clogged-pore process.
Why is it called a dilated pore of Winer?
“Dilated” refers to the enlarged (dilated) pore. It is named for the dermatologist who described this type of lesion.
Is a dilated pore of Winer cancer?
No. Although commonly identified as a tumor, it is benign — not a sign of cancer, non-infectious and no threat to your overall health.
Can a dilated pore of Winer spread?
No. It is non-infectious and cannot be spread.
Where do dilated pores of Winer appear?
On the head, neck, face or torso — anywhere hair grows at a hair follicle.
Who gets dilated pores of Winer?
Adults, as early as age 20 but usually after 40, and most commonly in older adults. Men are more likely to get them, and they are more frequent in people who are white.
Does a dilated pore of Winer hurt?
No — it is painless (asymptomatic). It only becomes painful if you injure, squeeze or pick it, or if it becomes infected.
What causes a dilated pore of Winer?
Dead skin cells clog the hair follicle, forming a plug of keratin and skin oil (sebum) that collects and enlarges the pore. Air exposure oxidizes the plug, turning it black. The direct cause is unknown, but it is associated with a history of severe or cystic acne.
What is sebum and keratin?
Keratin is a protein in dead skin cells and sebum is the skin's natural oil; together they collect, plug and enlarge the pore.
Why does the pore look black?
Oxidization — the mixture of air and the exposed contents of the clogged pore turns the blemish black, the same reason ordinary blackheads look dark.
How is a dilated pore of Winer diagnosed?
By visual examination alone. No test is needed.
Do I need treatment for a dilated pore of Winer?
No treatment is necessary unless it becomes infected (red, swollen, leaking pus) or you want it removed for cosmetic reasons.
Can I pop a dilated pore of Winer at home?
No — especially if it is large. Picking, squeezing or popping can make it painful like a sore and cause infection. Small pores can be emptied with tweezers and a comedone extractor, but large ones should be removed by a healthcare provider.
How does a provider remove a dilated pore of Winer?
Small ones are emptied with tweezers and a comedone extractor. Large ones require local anesthetic, a small cut to remove the contents, and stitches to close the opening.
How do you close a dilated pore of Winer after removal?
Small pores should close on their own after the contents are removed with tweezers. Large pores are closed with stitches after the contents are removed.
How long does a dilated pore of Winer take to heal after removal?
Up to 10 days — stitches for large pores are typically removed after 10 days when the wound heals.
What medications treat a dilated pore of Winer?
Only antibiotics for an infected pore. No other medications are needed.
What should I do if my dilated pore of Winer is infected?
Clean the pore as you would a wound and use an antibiotic ointment. If the infection persists, see your provider, who may prescribe an antibiotic or remove the infected pore.
Will a dilated pore of Winer come back after removal?
It is likely to return if the contents of the pore were not entirely removed. Emptying the pore completely reduces the risk of return.
Can I prevent a dilated pore of Winer?
Not completely — the direct cause is unknown. But you can keep pores unclogged by using non-comedogenic products, cleansing and exfoliating, treating acne with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, and wearing sunscreen.
What is a non-comedogenic product?
A skincare product formulated not to clog pores.
Should I use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid?
If you have acne, these ingredients are recommended to dry out dead skin cells — one way to keep pores from clogging.
What is the outlook for a dilated pore of Winer?
Excellent. It is benign and removable if you don’t like how it looks, but removal isn’t necessary since it poses no health threat.
When should I see my doctor about a dilated pore of Winer?
If the pore is red, inflamed and leaking pus (infected), or if you simply want it removed.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
Do you recommend removal? Will it come back after removal? Is it infected?
Related reading on Rinnit
Sources
Cleveland Clinic. Dilated Pore of Winer. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated September 17, 2021. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21796-dilated-pore-of-winer
Benedetto CJ, Riley CA, Athalye L. Dilated pore of Winer. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2020. PMID 30422562. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30422562/
Bishnoi A, Aggarwal D, Vinay K, et al. Visual dermatology: dilated pore of Winer. J Cutan Med Surg. 2019;23(3):332. PMID 31070096. https://doi.org/10.1177/1203475419825770
Ahmad A, Mosbeh A, Manchanda Y, et al. A dilated pore of Winer on the thigh: clinical and histopathological correlation. Cureus. 2025;17(10):e95197. PMID 41281000. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.95197
Cabrera R, Matus P, Coulon G, et al. Skin collision tumour and dermoscopic diagnosis of melanoma in situ and dilated pore of Winer. Australas J Dermatol. 2022;63(1):98-101. PMID 34928506. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajd.13767
Medical disclaimer
This article is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Only a qualified healthcare provider can diagnose and remove a dilated pore of Winer and determine whether it is infected. Avoid picking, squeezing or popping skin lesions at home, and seek care promptly for any lesion that is red, inflamed, leaking pus, growing, changing shape or not healing.
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