The classic patient is a young man with acne-like lesions on the back of the neck.

ACNE KELOIDALIS NUCHAE

Acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is a condition on the back of the neck common in young Black males, aged 14-25. The initial bumps are acne-like, but AKN is not acne. Larger keloid-like bumps may form. Nuchae means "back of the neck". If you have acne-like lesions, raised bumps or "razor bumps" on the back of the neck, you may have AKN. See a dermatologist.

• The male to female ratio is 20:1.
• Close shaving is a risk factor.
• Any sports or occupations that require a helmet, headgear or tight collar may predispose.

Treatment

Any patient with AKN should seek care from a dermatologist. Treatment often involves:

• Not shaving, letting the hair grow out. No oils to the area.
• Avoiding tight collars, wearing a helmet (e.g. football), no necklaces.
• No picking
• Wash the area in the shower with a benzoyl peroxide wash.
• A topical steroid, e.g. clobetasol solution and/or a topical retinoid.
• Bacterial culture of any pus.
• An oral antibiotic e.g. doxycycline
• Steroid shots (intralesional corticosteroid)
• Laser Hair Removal
• Surgery

Additional Pictures

Black men are most commonly affected.

Keloids may form and can become quite large as shown here.

RegionalDerm

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