Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences

Information for Patients

View all Images (68)

Acne keloidalis nuchae - Hair and Scalp
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Acne keloidalis nuchae - Hair and Scalp

Contributors: Janelle S. Nassim MD, Belinda Tan MD, PhD, Oyetewa Oyerinde MD, Callyn Iwuala BA, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN), or folliculitis keloidalis, is a chronic inflammatory disease in which pustules and keloid-like papules and plaques occur at the nape of the neck, occipital scalp, and sometimes extend up to the vertex scalp. Despite its name, it is generally accepted that the lesion is not associated with acne, is not a true keloid, and can occur beyond the nuchal area.

The presence of keloids at other locations or having a family history of keloids are not features of the disease. The overwhelming majority of patients with AKN are young Black men. AKN has been reported in other racial / ethnic groups, including individuals of Hispanic and Korean descent and White people. Women are rarely affected unless they shave their hair at the nape of the neck. AKN is rare in patients before puberty or after age 50.

The condition is often painful and disfiguring. Inflammation of the hair follicle and fibrosis of the tissue typically result in scarring, including scarring alopecia. The etiology is unclear; many different hypotheses and factors have been proposed. Inflammation is key in the pathogenesis of AKN; however, whether inflammation is a primary or secondary phenomenon is unclear. Earlier literature suggests that AKN was a form of mechanically induced folliculitis, and it is known that AKN is associated with localized mechanical irritation from shirt collars, football or military helmets, or trauma from shaving or haircuts. Despite this association, AKN has been classified as a primary form of inflammatory scarring alopecia.

The strong male predilection suggests that androgens play a role in pathogenesis. It has been discussed in the literature that the kinky, curly nature of Black hair and the tendency of this curvature to lead to penetration of the skin and development of ingrown hairs (which is known to be pathogenic in pseudofolliculitis barbae) could play a role in the pathogenesis. However, histology and dermoscopy have not demonstrated ingrown hairs to be a feature of AKN. There is also no reported association between the occurrence of pseudofolliculitis barbae and AKN.

Another proposed mechanism is aberrant immune reaction to various antigens including cosmetic products, sebum, Demodex, bacterial skin flora, or dermatophytes. One study showed a higher incidence of seborrheic dermatitis in patients with AKN, raising the question of whether dermatophytes could play a role in pathogenesis.

Other factors that have been suggested are obesity and metabolic syndrome, and certain medications.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L73.0 – Acne keloid

SNOMEDCT:
49265008 – Folliculitis keloidalis nuchae

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:02/02/2021
Last Updated:03/22/2021
Copyright © 2023 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Patient Information for Acne keloidalis nuchae - Hair and Scalp
Print E-Mail Images (68)
Contributors: Medical staff writer

Overview

Acne keloidalis nuchae, also known as folliculitis keloidalis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed papules (small, solid bumps), pustules (small, pus-filled bumps), and scars on the back of the neck.

Although it is not related to common acne, acne keloidalis nuchae initially appears as acne-like lesions of inflamed hair follicles on the back of the neck, and without treatment, it can result in small or large keloid-like scars and potentially hair loss in the affected area.

Who’s At Risk

Acne keloidalis nuchae can affect any race / ethnicity, but it is most commonly found in young adult Black men or, less commonly, Latino and Asian men. It is very uncommon in women. In addition, acne keloidalis nuchae is very rarely seen in people before puberty or after middle age.

Signs & Symptoms

The most common locations of acne keloidalis nuchae include the:
  • Back of the neck (posterior neck).
  • Back of the scalp (occipital scalp).
Early on, lesions of acne keloidalis nuchae appear as inflamed or pus-filled bumps (papules and pustules), which may be painful and itchy. In darker skin colors, the lesions may be pink, reddish, or any shade of brown, whereas in lighter skin colors, they are pink or red. Over time, these inflamed bumps develop into small, raised scars. Without treatment, the small scars can form into large, thick scars. Areas of widespread scarring may be associated with hair loss. Sometimes advanced acne keloidalis nuchae lesions can develop deep pockets of pus (sinuses) with connections to the surface of the skin, and a foul-smelling discharge may ooze from these sinus tracts.

Self-Care Guidelines

Individuals with acne keloidalis nuchae should focus on avoiding irritation to the area to help prevent the formation of additional lesions, including:
  • Washing the area gently with nonirritating cleansers. (Avoid scrubbing.)
  • Avoiding wearing headwear (such as sports helmets) and shirt collars that rub against the back of the neck.
  • Avoiding closely shaving the back of the scalp and neck.
    For itchy lesions, try an over-the-counter hydrocortisone (eg, Cortaid) cream.

    Although these self-care measures can help, anyone with acne keloidalis nuchae should see a health professional for treatment in order to prevent progression of the condition.

    When to Seek Medical Care

    If you suspect you have acne keloidalis nuchae, you should seek help from a health professional such as a dermatologist to prevent the possible formation of large scars and permanent hair loss to the involved areas.

    Treatments

    Treatment for acne keloidalis nuchae is most effective when started early.

    Topical creams, lotions, or gels may include:
    • A retinoid cream such as tretinoin (Retin-A), tazarotene (Avage, Tazorac), or adapalene (Differin).
    • A prescription-strength steroid or cortisone preparation.
    • A topical antibiotic such as clindamycin (Cleocin T).
    Oral medications may include:
    • Antibiotic pills such as mupirocin (Bactroban, Centany), doxycycline (Doryx, Adoxa), or rifampin (Rifadin).
    • A short course of steroids, such as prednisone (Delatsone, Rayos), for severe or advanced cases only.
    Procedures to reduce inflammation and reduce or remove scar tissue include:
    • Steroid injections directly into the inflamed bumps or scars.
    • Surgical removal of single bumps or larger scars.
    • Laser therapy / destruction.
    • Liquid nitrogen (freezing or cryotherapy).
    Copyright © 2023 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
    Acne keloidalis nuchae - Hair and Scalp
    A medical illustration showing key findings of Acne keloidalis nuchae : Occipital scalp, Posterior neck, Smooth papule, Raised scar
    Clinical image of Acne keloidalis nuchae - imageId=58803. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Myriads of smooth, tiny, pink papules at the occipital scalp and posterior neck.'
    Myriads of smooth, tiny, pink papules at the occipital scalp and posterior neck.
    Copyright © 2023 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.