Acne Keloidalis Nuchae

A common medical condition, acne keloidalis is often misunderstood in both professional circles and the homes of those affected. It is often confused with a myth or folklore. Acne keloidalis is not a result of a particular lifestyle or genetics, but rather is caused by inflammation of the follicle walls. Nevertheless, patients should seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist to avoid skin infection, which can worsen the symptoms. Treatment can include several useful medical interventions, such as prescription medication.

Symptoms of acne keloidalis nuchae include red bumps on the neck or scalp that are itchy and tender. They can develop into small or large scars and foul-smelling sinus tracts. Over-the-counter cortisone creams may be used to treat acne keloidalis nuchae. Surgical intervention is necessary if the keloidal lesions develop into deep pus pockets. The scarring process in acne keloidalis nuchae is often a secondary bacterial infection.

While antibiotics are not an effective treatment for acne keloidalis nuchae, there are a few things you can try to prevent the condition from getting worse. To begin with, you can avoid scratching or picking the affected area. Choosing a silk pillow case or scarf is one way to avoid the irritation of tossing and turning. Similarly, making sure your pillowcases and scarf cases are clean will help prevent the skin from getting inflamed.

Surgical treatment is another option. In cases where a large acne keloidalis nuchae is the problem, a surgeon may use a scalpel to remove the lesions. This type of treatment may take weeks or months to work. Surgical excision, which removes large plaques or tumor-like masses, is the cornerstone of treatment. The surgical approach is more invasive and may require general anesthesia and a longer recovery period. However, it can be an effective way to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Surgical treatment of AKN consists of removing the affected area and closing the wound. It is best performed in a multistage procedure, because large lesions should be excised in stages. A surgeon must consider the severity of the infection, as there are varying levels of complication with this surgical treatment. It is recommended for patients with advanced acne keloidalis. This treatment is an effective choice for patients with advanced AKN.

Although steroid treatments are the first line of treatment for acne keloidalis, they are often ineffective for severe cases. An intralesional injection of triamcinolone is sometimes necessary for severe cases of acne keloidalis. It may cause skin atrophy and hypopigmentation. Cryotherapy can also cause edema and requires months of treatment. If treatment fails, surgical excision may be recommended. For cases of keloidalis nuchae with persistent inflammation, cryosurgery can be effective. A CO2 laser vaporization can be less effective.