Folliculitis keloidalis (also called acne cheloidalis nuchae, and acne keloidalis) is an unusual skin condition affecting the nape of the neck. It commonly affects adult Afro-Caribbean males with curly hair and other dark-skinned individuals, but it can occur in any individual. The condition may persist for many years. It is very uncommon in women. In addition, acne keloidalis nuchae is very rarely seen in people prior to puberty or after middle age.
Although it is not related to common acne (acne vulgaris), acne keloidalis nuchae initially appears as acne-like lesions of inflamed hair follicles (folliculitis) on the nape of the neck (nuchal area) and, without treatment, can result in large scars (keloids).
People who develop acne keloidalis nuchae should focus on avoiding irritation to the area in order to prevent the formation of additional lesions:
If you suspect you have acne keloidalis nuchae, you should seek help from your primary care provider or a dermatologist in order to prevent the possible formation of large scars and permanent hair loss to the involved areas.
Topical corticosteroids may produce
perioral dermatitis, a localized erythematous
papular or pustular eruption.5
Endocrine causes of acne include Cushing’s
disease or syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome,
and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.6
Clinical clues to possible hyperandrogenism
in women include dysmenorrhea, virilization
(i.e., hirsutism, clitoromegaly, temporal balding),
and severe acne.
Acne Cheloidalis Nuchae
Treatments Your Provider May Prescribe
The prognosis of acne keloidalis nuchae is good if treatment is started early.Acne Keloidalis Nuchae in depth article by Philip R Letada, MD, and Elizabeth Kline Satter, MD, MPH
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