Acne Keloidalis Nuchae
Acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is a chronic inflammatory disease that develops in the area of the nape and the back of the neck. The disease is characterised by the development of inflammatory pustules that turn into hypertrophy and keloids (excess scar tissue), which creates hard, protruding nodules in the nape area and local hair loss.
Acne Keloidalis Nuchae
Acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is a chronic inflammatory disease that develops in the area of the nape and the back of the neck. The disease is characterised by the development of inflammatory pustules that turn into hypertrophy and keloids (excess scar tissue), which creates hard, protruding nodules in the nape area and local hair loss.
Acne Keloidalis Nuchae
Acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is a chronic inflammatory disease that develops in the area of the nape and the back of the neck. The disease is characterised by the development of inflammatory pustules that turn into hypertrophy and keloids (excess scar tissue), which creates hard, protruding nodules in the nape area and local hair loss.
The disease is more common in men with curly hair and is associated with tight hairstyles and frequent shaving.
Causes and factors
- Acne keloidalis nuchae is caused by a combination of factors:
- Frequent, aggressive shaving in the nape area
- Tight hairstyles and chronic friction
- Ingrown hairs
- A genetic predisposition to hypertrophy and keloids
- Chronic inflammation of the hair follicles
- Friction from clothing or hats
- Secondary bacterial infections
- The disease is especially common in young men of African descent or with curly hair.
Symptoms and signs
- Small inflammatory pustules in the nape area
- Development of hard, protruding nodules (keloids)
- Pain, itching and tenderness in the area
- Local hair loss in the affected areas
- Redness and inflammation around the lesions
- Purulent discharge from the pustules
- Deep scars and disfigurement of the appearance
- Gradual enlargement of the lesions without treatment
Diagnosis
A comprehensive clinical examination by a dermatologist
A detailed history of shaving and hairstyle habits
Dermoscopic examination to identify ingrown hairs
A bacterial culture in case of secondary infection
A biopsy in rare cases to rule out other diseases
Treatment options
Treatment is tailored to the stage of the disease and the severity of the lesions.
- In early stages:
- • Changing shaving habits - switching to electric clippers
- • Topical creams: retinoids, antibiotics
- • Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- In advanced stages:
- • Steroid injections into the keloids
- • Laser treatment for hair removal and prevention of recurrence
- • Surgical excision of large keloids
- • Cryotherapy (cold treatment) for small lesions
Course of the disease and prognosis
The disease is chronic and tends to worsen without appropriate treatment. With a change in shaving habits and early treatment, progression can be prevented. Existing keloids require special treatment and sometimes surgery. Prevention and ongoing treatment are of great importance.
Prevention and guidelines
- To prevent the development and worsening of the disease:
- Avoiding close shaving in the nape area
- Using electric clippers instead of a razor blade
- Switching to looser hairstyles
- Avoiding chronic friction in the area
- Gentle care of the scalp
- Early treatment of any sign of inflammation
- Regular medical follow-up to prevent recurrence
In summary
Acne keloidalis nuchae is a disease that requires professional, individually tailored treatment. At our clinic we provide accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment, while safeguarding patient safety and giving continuous medical follow-up to achieve the best possible results.
Frequently asked questions
The disease is chronic and tends to worsen without appropriate treatment. With a change in shaving habits and early treatment, progression can be prevented. Existing keloids require special treatment and sometimes surgery. Prevention and ongoing treatment are of great importance.
You can book a personal consultation with Dr. Rimma Laufer Britva in Kfar Saba via the website form or a WhatsApp message. The consultation includes an accurate diagnosis and a personal treatment plan.
