Acne keloidalis nuchae, or AKN, is a skin condition characterized by raised, scar-like papules that develop on the back of the neck. More commonly referred to as folliculitis keloidalis nuchae, it's not actually a form of acne. Whereas acne develops when dead skin and excess oil accumulates within the pores, this condition is a result of shorn hairs along the posterior hairline curling back and growing into the skin. As the hairs breach the surface of the epidermis, they begin to stimulate the growth of scar tissue. Over time, the separate papules can merge to form much larger keloid-like bumps, making early treatment an essential component to improve the appearance of your skin.
Step 1
Avoid hair removal along affected areas of the skin to prevent additional papules from forming as well as further irritating and worsening existing lesions.
Step 2
Apply a medicated cream to the papules each day. Dermatologists often prescribe retinoids, corticosteroids or topical antibiotics to lessen the inflammation and prevent scar tissue associated with AKN.
Step 3
Take an oral antibiotic daily. Along with the topical prescription, your dermatologist may also prescribe an oral antibiotic to help lessen inflammation and prevent any potential infection to the irritated skin.
Step 4
Reduce inflammation of AKN with intralesional injections, suggests the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Injecting corticosteroids directly into the scar-like papules reduces swelling along the penetration sites.
Step 5
Freeze the papules with cryotherapy. Applying liquid nitrogen onto the keloid-like bumps causes them to die and subsequently fall off, thereby improving the appearance of the skin.
Step 6
Break up scar tissue with laser therapy, recommends Crutchfield Dermatology. Emitting laser energy over affected areas can help break up scar tissue and reduce the size of the papules.
Step 7
Undergo surgical excision of AKN. If other treatments fail to improve the condition or the papules are relatively large, the scar tissue is surgically removed from the skin.
Tips and Warnings
- If you're prone to developing AKN, permanently remove the hair along your posterior hairline with laser hair removal, advises the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. The laser energy damages the follicles, preventing the production of hair, and therefore the growth of ingrown hairs.
- Itching the scar-like papules can often worsen the condition, so consider applying an anti-itch cream and shampooing with a mild cleanser to stave off further scar tissue growth.
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