Acne keloidalis nuchae: Signs and symptoms
Where does acne keloidalis nuchae appear on the body?
This condition typically develops on the:
Back of the neck
Back of the scalp
What are the signs and symptoms of acne keloidalis nuchae?
What you see (and feel) on your skin tends to change as the condition worsens. The following explains how AKN begins and can progress without treatment. You’ll also see a few pictures of AKN that show what this condition can look like as it progresses.
Itch
Before you develop bumps, the back of your neck or scalp may itch. The itch may develop hours or days after wearing a helmet or getting a close-shave haircut.
Firm, dome-shaped bumps develop
A rash of small bumps appears on your neck, back of your head, or both. These often-itchy bumps can be mistaken for pimples or razor bumps. Scratching or combing where you have bumps can cause an infection, so you may also see pus-filled bumps.
More bumps appear
Without proper treatment, AKN can worsen. If this happens, existing bumps grow and new bumps appear. Growing bumps can be painful. Some bumps may bleed.
Bumps join together to form a scar
In time, the bumps become small scars that can grow together and create a large, raised scar. This raised scar can be painful, and often becomes more painful as it grows.
Hair loss
Where scars develop, you’ll see hair loss. Most people develop a large, raised scar that spans their entire hairline. Scars can also appear in patches. Near the edge of the scars, ingrown hairs or tufted hairs can develop. Tufted hairs occur when several hairs grow out of one hair follicle (the opening in the skin from which a hair grows).
Painful areas on your skin
Without medical care, AKN can continue to worsen. Some people develop swollen areas under their skin that contain pus. Called abscesses, these areas can grow together and form tunnels under the skin. The tunnels are called sinus tracts. Both abscesses and sinus tracts can leak a foul-smelling liquid onto the skin.
Why some people develop AKN is still a bit unclear. Dermatologists have found that some people are more likely to develop it than others. To see if you have an increased risk, go to: Acne keloidalis nuchae: Causes.
Images
Images 1, 6: Getty Images
Image 2: Image used with permission of the JAAD Case Reports. (JAAD Case Rep. 2019 Jun 8;5(6):529-34.)
Images 3,5: Images used with permission of DermNet NZ.
Image 4: Image used with permission of the JAAD Case Reports. (JAAD Case Rep. 2018 Dec 4;5(1):24-8.)
References
Brahe C, Peters K, et al. “Acne keloidalis nuchae in the armed forces.” Cutis. 2020 May;105(5):223-6.
Kelly AP, Bayat A. “Acne keloidalis nuchae.” In: Taylor and Kelly’s Dermatology for Skin of Color (2nd ed.), McGraw Hill, USA, 2016;224-9.
Ogunbiyi, A, “Acne keloidalis nuchae: Prevalence, impact, and management challenges.” Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016 Dec 14;9:483-9.
Written by:
Paula Ludmann, MS
Reviewed by:
Amanda Friedrichs, MD, FAAD
Chesahna Kindred, MD, MBA, FAAD
Omolara Olowoyeye, MD, FAAD
Last updated: 7/28/22