Acne Keloidalis Nuchae Information

Acne Keloidalis Nuchae (AKN) is a condition effecting mostly men of African descent that is caused by the inflammation of hair follicles. This results in the development of bumps and scars on the back of the neck. Over time a large tumor-like mass will develop.Since AKN has gone through many name changes over the years you should be aware of the other names. Some of the other names of Acne Keloidalis Nuchae include:

  • Dermatitis Papillaris Capillitii
  • Folliculitis Keloidalis Nuchae
  • Sycosis Nuchae
  • Keloidal Folliculitis
  • Lichen Keloidalis Nuchae
  • Folliculitis Nuchae Scleroticans
  • Sycosis Framboesiformis

The inflammation of the hair follicles is known as folliculitis. The causes are unclear in AKN patients. However here are some possibilities

1) Shaving too close to the skin

2) Irritation from shirt collars and sports gear worn around the neck

3. Other causes of folliculitis include bacteria and yeast infections.

4. Sweating can cause folliculitis as can the wearing of makeup.

5. If you have been in a hot tub, folliculitis may appear about three days after your exposure.

Acne Keloidalis Nuchae mostly affects males of African descent. But it can occur in other ethnicities as well. Symptoms often start to occur between the ages of 13-25. While the condition is seen mostly in men, 5% are women.

AKN patients feel very self conscious in social situations. Some of them try to hide the tissue growth by wearing their hair longer.

However, there is hope for individuals to regain a normal cosmetic appearance as there are treatments available.

This site was created to help patients find relevant and accurate information about their condition.

Acne Keloidalis Nuchae – Finding the Right Treatment

It will be quite valuable for individuals to focus their information gathering efforts on the following areas:

  1. Various possible causes of AKN
  2. Similar related conditions that are not AKN
  3. Initial symptoms
  4. More advanced symptoms
  5. How medications can alleviate early stages of AKN
  6. Surgical interventions
  7. Research

What Are Some Treatment Options?

  • Shampoo
  • Topical Steroids
  • Antibiotics Applied to the Skin
  • Oral Prednisone
  • Cryotherapy – This is a special treatment that involves freezing and thawing.
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Surgical Removal- This is the best option if your Acne Keloidalis Nuchae has developed to the stage of plaques or tumors. In fact, at this stage it may be the only treatment proven to be effective. There are four possible methods of surgical removal.Four procedures that may be used for surgical removal are:
    • Surgical removal with skin grafts taken from other parts of the body,
    • Surgical removal then the opening is closed with sutures,
    • Surgical removal with it left to heal
    • Staged removal, then it is closed with sutures (stitches).Although medication is sometimes recommended, it can help with the itching, discomfort and discharge. At best, it may be able to flatten the lesions and make them smaller. However drugs cannot clear the tissue growth completely. This is only possible through surgery.Treatment of Acne Keloidalis Nuchae should start as soon as possible. Delaying treatment will may cause the condition to progres to more advanced stages.

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