Keloid acne is a form of chronic folliculitis that develops along the follicles of your scalp. Often referred to as acne keloidalis nuchae, this skin condition typically manifests at the nape of the neck, causing small papules to form around the shafts of your hair. When left untreated, it isn't uncommon for these papules to eventually form into lesions that may cause discomfort and pain. Though there are many methods of treatment for keloid acne, it can be fairly difficult to manage and control this condition. It's regularly recommended that you start with more conservative treatments and move on from there.
Self-Care
For some people dealing with keloid acne, self-care may help to lessen the severity of the condition. Since this form of folliculitis can be triggered by ingrown hair growth, letting your hair grow to a longer length may prevent the development of the papules. It's also important to minimize further irritation of the area, so you should avoid tight collars at the onset of the condition.
Antibiotics
If self-care fails to provide results, the next form of treatment for acne keloidalis nuchae usually involves some type of antibiotic. Antibiotics are administered either orally or topically to help reduce the inflammation and irritation of the affected follicles. Clindamycin and erythromycin are the most common prescription drugs used for this skin condition, according to the Yale School of Medicine, but your doctor may prescribe another type of antibiotic.
Steroids
Another method of keloid acne treatment is steroids, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. As with antibiotics, there isn't just one way in which this type of medication is administered. With steroids, you'll either be prescribed a topical cream or given a series of injections along the sight of irritation. Steroids can reduce the inflammation and irritation associated with this condition, lessening the severity of the papules.
Hair Removal
It's also possible to treat acne keloidalis nuchae with the removal of the hairs, especially at the onset of the condition. Hair removal is usually accomplished with a laser. Pulses of energy are directed over the areas of the scalp affected with the papules. This energy penetrates the skin, heating the core of the follicle and forcing it to go dormant. Once the hair has been removed, you should experience an improvement in your condition. Subsequent treatments are often necessary to prevent hair growth to treated areas of the scalp.
Excision
The surgical removal of those areas of the scalp affected with keloid acne has also proven to be an effective method of treatment, according to the National Institutes of Health. Though the study conducted by the King-Drew Medical Center of Los Angeles in 1995 was fairly limited, the majority of people treated with the surgical excision of acne keloidalis nuchae experienced positive results.
Radiation
Though radiation therapy doesn't necessarily treat keloid acne on its own, it has been used as an adjuvant form of treatment for the condition. After the surgical removal of the acne keloidalis nuchae, radiation therapy can help to prevent a recurrence, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
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