Symptoms
Acne Keloidalis Nuchae
Diagnosis
Treatment
Early Symptoms
The condition usually begins with red, itchy bumps (papules) or patches of skin. These papules often become infected due to scratching, leading to pustules (pockets of pus) that resemble pimples.
Progression
Over time, AKN can progress to inflamed, thickened, and scarred areas of skin (fibrosis, hypertrophic scars, and keloids). Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:
- Crusty Skin: A crusty feeling on the skin.
- Itchiness: Persistent itching.
- Pain: Discomfort or pain in the affected areas.
- Plaques: Scaly patches on the skin.
- Thickening and Scarring: Thickened skin and scarring of hair follicles.
- Hair Loss: Loss of hair in the scarred areas.
Advanced Symptoms
Without treatment, AKN can worsen significantly. Symptoms may include:
- Firm, Dome-shaped Bumps: Initial small bumps that may be mistaken for pimples or razor bumps.
- Infection and Pus: Scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infection, resulting in pus-filled bumps.
- Scarring: Bumps can join together to form large, raised scars.
- Tufted Hairs: Multiple hair shafts emerging from a single follicular opening.
- Painful Abscesses and Sinus Tracts: Advanced cases can develop painful abscesses and tunnels under the skin (sinus tracts) that leak foul-smelling liquid.
