Keloidal Acne on the Back of the Neck: Origin, Signs, and Remedies
Article Title: Understanding Acne Keloidalis Nuchae (AKN): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Acne Keloidalis Nuchae (AKN), a chronic inflammatory skin condition, primarily affects the nape of the neck and occipital scalp. Characterised by inflamed hair follicles, AKN can lead to firm bumps, pus-filled lesions, itching, pain, and ultimately permanent hair loss from scarring.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause of AKN remains unknown, it is linked to shaving, especially close shaving, which causes follicular irritation or trauma. Friction from clothing or helmets, elevated male hormones, genetics, and factors such as infection, other skin conditions, autoinflammation, medications like cyclosporin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin may also play a role [1][4]. AKN seems to affect people with darker skin more frequently than those with lighter skin [1][4].
Symptoms
Typically, symptoms start with small bumps around hair follicles on the back of the neck or scalp soon after haircuts. These bumps may be firm or filled with pus. As the condition progresses, larger lesions can form, often itchy, painful, and prone to bleeding or secondary infection. Over time, these scars may lead to permanent hair loss due to follicle destruction [1].
Treatment Options
Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition. Early intervention is key to reducing scarring and permanent hair loss. Treatment may begin with over-the-counter products such as benzoyl peroxide, chlorhexidine, tar shampoos to reduce infection risk [1][2][4].
Antibacterial shampoos or cleansers, corticosteroid injections (cortisone), minor surgical removal, laser therapy, and cryotherapy are other treatment options [1][2][4]. Corticosteroids such as betamethasone, clobetasol, fluocinolone, mometasone, and triamcinolone may be used to reduce inflammation [1].
Laser and light therapy can destroy hair follicles and improve the appearance of lesions, often requiring multiple sessions [1]. Surgery is a last resort when other options have not worked [1].
Recent research suggests that alexandrite laser treatment may shrink lesions and improve quality of life, but more research is needed [1]. Professional care while inflammation is still mild can help prevent more severe lesions that lead to scarring [1].
In summary, AKN is a condition that requires careful management to prevent progression and reduce symptoms. Early intervention is crucial for a favourable outcome.
| Aspect | Details | |--------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Causes | Unknown; linked to shaving, friction, male hormones, genetics, primarily in people of African descent | | Symptoms | Small follicular bumps, pus-filled lesions, itching, pain, tenderness, potential bleeding, scarring | | Treatment Options | Antibacterial cleansers, corticosteroid injections, minor surgery, laser treatment, cryotherapy |
This summary is based on the latest dermatological insights published in 2025 and corroborated by clinical expert sources [1][2][3][4][5].
Skin care for those suffering from Acne Keloidalis Nuchae (AKN) should include antibacterial cleansers to reduce the risk of infection. Other treatment options, depending on the severity of the condition, may involve corticosteroid injections, minor surgical removal, laser therapy, or cryotherapy. These treatment methods are used to manage inflammation, prevent scarring, and improve the appearance of lesions. Professional dermatological care is crucial for early intervention and favorable outcomes. Skin conditions such as AKN require ongoing medical-condition management to ensure health-and-wellness and optimum skin health.
