Acne Keloidalis Nuchae
If you are having pus bumps, with infection and irritation along the back of your neck at the margins of the hair line, you are most likely affected by Acne Keloidalis Nuchae, also known as Keloidal Folliculitis or Nuchal Keloidal Acne, which is often diagnosed by Dr. Weaver.
Though Acne Keloidalis Nuchae (AKN) is not related to common acne, it is asspcoated with pus bumps that resemble acne. However, in AKN, the pustules are due to a bacterial infection of the hair follicles which are unrelated to the organism that causes facial acne. The condition can be mild, moderate, or severe leading to large areas of hair loss or keloids if not treated early and effectively.
Acne Keloidalis Nuchae mostly appears at the juncture which connects the back of the neck and the scalp. You will find it most commonly in African American men, especially those who cut their hair short or bald, but other ethnic groups as well as women can get it too. Again, in extreme cases, these bumps can lead to scar tissue or keloids, and hair can be lost on a permanent basis in the affected areas.
Advanced AKN Case 1 Pre Op
Advanced AKN Case 1 Immediately post op
Advanced AKN Case 1 1 Year later
Female with advanced AKN
Diffuse AKN with multiple keloids
AKN due to stiff collar from starched shirt
| The primary goals of treatment should be to stop the infection and any associated bleeding, itching, or pain plus prevent permanent hair loss and scarring Oral antibiotics come in handy for clearing up these infections, as well as localized cortisone injections. Other medications that are sometimes used include topical antibiotics, tretnoin, or corticosteroids. In certain settings, especially when hair gets trapped inside of the keloid tissue, laser hair removal can lead to improvement. If topical treatment does not work, it is important to take antibiotics by mouth to minimize the risk of permanent scarring. If Acne Keloidalis Nuchae gets diagnosed early, medical treatment can help to clear the hair bumps as well as reduce the size of or prevent keloids, and at times reverse the hair loss. In most cases, the treatment has to be carefully planned and carried out properly, as the healing process might extend over a long period of time. In certain severe cases of acne keloidalis nuchae, the hair which sprouts from within and around the infected area can be lost permanently However, treatment will prove to be futile if Acne Keloidalis Nuchae is well into the advanced stages, at which time surgical removal becomes the best option. One of the safest and reliable ways to keep your self from developing AKN is to avoid close hair cuts with sharp razors and clippers. However, one of the myths that you might hear is that this condition is due to dirty clippers, but that is not true. There are times that the condition develops in women who have never had a hair cut in the area, but still develop bumps, infection, and keloids. Also, you may find that if you wear a hard hat or helmet, or perspire a lot in hot humid environments, then you can be more susceptible to developing this ailment. There are some cases where a genetic predisposition exists and multiple family members become affected. Still other men develop the condition from localized friction and irritation such as that due to stiff starched shirt collars. So, if you notice any bumps, itching, or irritation developing at the back of the hair line, see your dermatologist and get treatment today. Early intervention by a trained medical practitioner can save you weeks and months of irritation as well as a lifetime of hair loss and scarring. |
More Photos of Acne Keloidalis Nuchae
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Diffuse Follicular Keloids
from previous chronic infection |
Keloids and Hair Loss
due to chronic AKN |
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