What is acne keloidalis nuchae?
Acne keloidalis nuchae is a type of folliculitis, which is inflammation of a hair follicle. It affects the back of your head and the nape of your neck. The name can be misleading: Acne keloidalis nuchae is actually not a type of acne. Other names for it include folliculitis keloidalis, acne keloidalis, or acne cheloidalis nuchae.
Acne keloidalis nuchae begins with small, itchy bumps that form around the back of the neck, along the hairline. As time goes on, the tiny bumps become scars, and the hair in and around them falls off. The scars eventually enlarge and look like keloids. These are tough, raised scars.
Doctors aren’t sure about what causes acne keloidalis nuchae, but some people do seem more likely to develop it than others. Males with darker skin, notably males of African descent, have a
While the exact cause is unknown, researchers have a few theories about possible causes:
Acne keloidalis nuchae can be hard to treat. Different techniques work better for some people than others.
Laser therapy
Different types of laser therapy have been used to treat acne keloidalis nuchae. Mild cases of the condition can be treated effectively using laser hair removal. Laser and light therapy work by decreasing the inflammatory response and destroying the hair follicle.
Most people require a few laser sessions spread out over a few weeks. Your doctor will want to treat any infection before you begin laser therapy. They may also have you use topical steroids or retinoids in combination with laser therapy to achieve better results.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe one or more medications to treat your acne keloidalis nuchae, including:
Surgery
If your condition is severe and your scars are large, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Your options for surgery depend on the severity of your condition and may include:
As part of your treatment, your doctor may recommend certain over-the-counter products to help prevent the acne keloidalis nuchae from getting worse.
Shampoo
Tar shampoo, sometimes called coal tar shampoo, belongs to a class of drugs called keratoplastics. These drugs are used to treat various itchy skin conditions. They cause the skin to shed dead skin cells and slows the growth of new skin cells. This can relieve scaling and itchiness.
Soaps
Preventing infection is an important part of treating acne keloidalis nuchae. Try to keep the area clean by regularly using an antimicrobial cleanser on the affected area. Look for one that contains benzoyl peroxide, like this one. Your doctor may also recommend a cleanser that contains chlorhexidine, like this one. Follow you doctor’s instructions on how often to use it and for how long.
While it can be hard to completely get rid of acne keloidalis nuchae, following these tips can help keep it under control:
Acne keloidalis nuchae may not have a known cure, but it can be treated by avoiding triggers and using a combination of treatments recommended by your doctor.