Online Health Information for Acne Keloidalis Nuchae has a Difficult Level of Readability.

BACKGROUND: Acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is an inflammatory disorder primarily seen in individuals of color, characterized by acneiform and keloidal lesions on the occipital scalp/nuchal region. More than 50% of patients with keloids are known to search their condition on the internet. We sought to determine the level of readability of patient education materials (PEM) available to patients. The term 'acne keloidalis nuchae' was searched and screened for the top 100 search results on the Google® search engine. For evaluation, 6 readability metrics (Flesch-Kincaid grade level, Gunning Fog index, Coleman-Liau index, SMOG index, automated readability, and Linsear Write Formula) were collected by entering text from each reference site into an automatic readability calculator for computation. Median readability scores of AKN PEMs ranged from 10.3th to 13.5th grade levels. Overall, readability median above the 8th-grade level were consistently seen across all 6 readability measures, with some median scores reaching university undergraduate levels. More readable educational tools are needed for acne keloidalis nuchae online. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;21(2):195-196. doi:10.36849/JDD.7110.

Common Dermatologic Conditions in Skin of Color.

Individuals with skin of color represent a diverse population of racial and ethnic backgrounds, including but not limited to Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American or Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latino, and Middle Eastern or North African. Dermatologic health disparities exist in part because of systemic racism and are exacerbated by inadequate physician training and a lack of high-quality research on skin diagnoses that disproportionately affect people with skin of color. These conditions, which include postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, keloids, dermatosis papulosa nigra, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and acne keloidalis nuchae, are usually diagnosed clinically and not associated with an underlying systemic disease. They can have significant impacts on mental health and quality of life and are often underdiagnosed or undertreated in skin of color. Hydroquinone 4% is considered the standard treatment for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Standard treatment for keloids includes combination intralesional therapy with triamcinolone and fluorouracil. If treatment is preferred for dermatosis papulosa nigra, options include scissor excision, cryotherapy, curettage, electrodesiccation, and laser therapies. Shaving cessation is the best initial treatment for pseudofolliculitis barbae. Individuals with acne keloidalis nuchae should avoid frequent close shaves or short haircuts on the nuchal area of the scalp.

Primary nonessential cutis verticis gyrata with acne keloidalis nuchae.

Cutis verticis gyrata is a rare disorder characterized by redundant skin forming deep furrows and convolutions. It has been associated with several systemic and cutaneous disorders. We report a case of primary non-essential cutis verticis gyrata in association with acne keloidalis nuchae in a schizophrenic patient.

Acne keloidalis nuchae in the armed forces.

Acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by the development of keloidlike papules, pustules, and plaques on the occipital scalp and posterior neck following mechanical trauma and irritation. First-line therapy involves avoidance of aggravating factors including short and frequent haircuts. Medical treatments-from topical and intralesional steroids, oral antibiotics, and UV light to laser and surgical excision-have demonstrated varying degrees of efficacy. The active-duty military population faces unique challenges in the treatment of AKN because personal appearance and grooming standards restrict avoidance of the very factors that promote this disease process. In this population, early identification and treatment are critical to reducing overall patient morbidity and ensuring continued operational and medical readiness. This article reviews the clinical features, epidemiology, and treatments available in the management of AKN, with a special focus on the active-duty military population.

"Spade sign" and inflammation/fibrosis limited to the upper and mid-dermis as the pathognomonic features of acne keloidalis.

Acne keloidalis (AK) is one of the primary cicatricial alopecias and predominantly affects men of African descent. Reports in Asians are scant. This study aimed to retrospectively review the clinical and histopathological features of AK patients in southern Taiwan and identify the pathognomonic features of AK. There were 15 patients with histopathologically confirmed AK in National Cheng Kung University Hospital between 1988 and 2018. The median onset age was 24 years (range, 14-71). The male : female ratio was 14:1. In the acute stage of AK, the lymphocytic and neutrophilic peri-infundibular inflammatory infiltrates with microabscess formation and edema corresponded to the clinical finding of isolated papules or pustules. Subsequently, the inflammatory infiltrates involved the mid-dermis and the isthmus of hair follicles. The "spade sign", a thin and dilated space resembling the shape of a balloon or spade symbol of playing cards at the level of lower isthmus, was identified in eight biopsies from five patients and may be a pathognomonic sign in the subacute stage of AK. At the chronic stage, the segments of hair shafts remained in the upper to mid-dermis and induced chronic inflammation and extensive fibrosis, resulting in the clinical keloid-like appearance. The restriction of inflammation and fibrosis in the upper to mid-dermis was another unique and pathognomonic feature of AK.

Prospective Controlled Trial for the Treatment of Acne Keloidalis Nuchae With a Long-Pulsed Neodymium-Doped Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser.

BACKGROUND: Acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is a chronic scarring folliculitis with limited interventions of both high efficacy and low morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of the long-pulsed 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and topical steroids as a treatment for AKN compared to topical steroids alone. METHODS: We conducted a single-blinded, randomised, within-patient right-left controlled trial (n = 13). Eight monthly laser treatments were performed on the treated half of the scalp, and triamcinolone 0.1% cream was applied to both sides twice daily. Treatment response was measured using a global assessment score (0 to 10). RESULTS: The laser-treated side showed greater improvement in global assessment score. The mean change was -3.2 (-49.2%) on the treated side and -2.2 (-32.8%) on the control side ( P = .144). Papules responded well to laser treatment, while larger plaques and nodules showed limited improvement. In the 10 patients with papules only, the difference in improvement between the treated and control sides was statistically significant (mean change was -3.5 [-59.3%] for the treated side and -1.8 [-29.5%] for the control side, P = .031). LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by a small sample size and a high dropout rate, as well as the lack of a standardised scoring system for AKN. CONCLUSION: The long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser in conjunction with topical steroids shows promising results in the treatment of AKN, particularly the papular component, and is well tolerated by patients.

Comparison of lidocaine/tetracaine cream and lidocaine/prilocaine cream for local anaesthesia during laser treatment of acne keloidalis nuchae and tattoo removal: results of two randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Pain is a common adverse effect of dermatological laser procedures. Currently, no standard topical anaesthetic cream exists for deeper dermal laser procedures. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of lidocaine/tetracaine cream and lidocaine/prilocaine cream in reducing self-reported pain during deeper dermal laser treatment of acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) and tattoos. METHODS: We conducted two randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials with intrapatient, split-lesion designs: study A included patients with AKN (n = 15); study B included patients with black tattoos (n = 15). The primary end point was the patients' self-reported pain on a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary objectives were the percentage of patients with adequate pain relief, willingness to pay €25 for the cream that provided the best pain relief and safety of the creams. RESULTS: In both studies, VAS scores were lower for lidocaine/prilocaine cream, with a mean VAS difference in study A of 1·9 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·0-2·8] and in study B of 0·6 (95% CI -0·7 to 1·9). In study A, adequate pain relief was achieved in 13% (n = 2) with lidocaine/tetracaine cream vs. 73% (n = 11) with lidocaine/prilocaine cream (P = 0·004), and in study B in 53% (n = 8) vs. 80% (n = 12), respectively (P = 0·289). In study A, 47% (n = 7) were willing to pay an additional €25 vs. 73% (n = 11) in study B. No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Lidocaine/prilocaine cream under plastic occlusion is the preferred topical anaesthetic during painful laser procedures targeting dermal chromophores.

Ethnic skin: Kids are not just little people.

There are numerous skin conditions that occur commonly in children with ethnic skin, including vitiligo, progressive macular hypomelanosis, pityriasis alba, acne keloidalis nuchae, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and keloids. Though these conditions occur in both children and adults, children may have different patterns of clinical presentation and response to therapy. In caring for such patients, important treatment considerations include side effects of systemic medications and tolerability of invasive procedures. Quality of life is an important measure and should not be compromised by either the skin disease or its treatment.

Primary cicatricial alopecia: Other lymphocytic primary cicatricial alopecias and neutrophilic and mixed primary cicatricial alopecias.

Primary cicatricial alopecias can be frustrating for both patients and physicians. Proper diagnosis guides more successful management of these challenging conditions. Part II will cover the remaining lymphocytic primary cicatricial alopecias, which include pseudopelade of Brocq, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, alopecia mucinosa, and keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans. It will also discuss the neutrophilic and mixed primary cicatricial alopecias, namely folliculitis decalvans, dissecting cellulitis, folliculitis keloidalis, folliculitis (acne) necrotica, and erosive pustular dermatosis.

Primary scarring alopecias.

Scarring alopecia or cicatricial alopecia results from follicular damage that is sufficient to cause the destruction and replacement of pilosebaceous structures by scar tissue. Primary scarring alopecias represent a group of disorders that primarily affect the hair follicles, as opposed to secondary scarring alopecias, which affect the dermis and secondarily cause follicular destruction. Inflammation may predominantly involve lymphocytes or neutrophils. Cicatricial alopecias that mainly involve lymphocytic inflammation include discoid lupus erythematosus, lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, central centrifugal alopecia, and pseudopelade (Brocq). Cicatricial alopecias that are due to predominantly neutrophilic inflammation include folliculitis decalvans, tufted folliculitis, and dissecting cellulitis of the scalp. Folliculitis keloidalis is a cicatricial alopecia with a mixed inflammatory infiltrate.

Perceived aetiological factors of folliculitis keloidalis nuchae (acne keloidalis) and treatment options among Nigerian men.

BACKGROUND: Folliculitis keloidalis nuchae (FKN) also known as acne keloidalis is the commonest form of scarring alopecia occurring in African males. It occurs mostly in individuals of African descent. Its prevalence ranges from 1·6% to 16·1%. FKN is multifactorial in origin: androgens, inflammation, trauma, ingrowing hairs and secondary infection have all been implicated in its aetiology. The reason for its occurrence in the occipital region is unclear although elevated androgens in the scalp have been suggested. The occurrence of huge keloidal-like scars in the affected area has earned the name 'Bumps' in this environment. OBJECTIVES: To look at the community's perception of the aetiological factors for bumps and perceived management options available in our environment. METHODS: A community study was carried out among 1003 men residing in an urban community in Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge about aetiology, and prevalence of shaving bumps was obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire administered by trained interviewers. The chi-squared test was used to test the associations between presence of FKN and variables. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 31·6 (SD = 8) years. When asked about the cause of shaving bumps, 420 (41·9%) felt it was due to infection from barber's instruments, followed by heredity (110, 11%), poor shaving technique (81, 8·1%), cuts from shaving (52, 5·2%) and inadequate after shaving care (39, 3·9%). The prevalence of shaving bumps was 2·7%. The most commonly reported symptom among those with shaving bumps was itching (71·1%). Other symptoms include pain (9·6%) and bleeding (1·2%). Most of the patients (70·8%) who had ever had shaving bumps practised self-medication. Medications applied included oral and topical antibiotics (20·3%), Neo-medrol (10·9%), engine oil (9·4%) and traditional leaves (9·4%). CONCLUSIONS: About 50% of the responders believed FKN was an infective disorder. Although bleeding occurred while having a haircut, some individuals did not have their own personal shaving kits. Antibiotics, topical steroids, herbs and caustic substances were used for treatment. There is an urgent need to stimulate safer hair shaving practices and discourage the wrong treatment of FKN.

Dermatologic conditions in skin of color: part II. Disorders occurring predominately in skin of color.

Several skin conditions are more common in persons with skin of color, including dermatosis papulosa nigra, pseudofolliculitis barbae, acne keloidalis nuchae, and keloids. Dermatosis papulosa nigra is a common benign condition characterized by skin lesions that do not require treatment, although several options are available for removal to address cosmetic concerns. Pseudofolliculitis barbae occurs as a result of hair removal. Altering shaving techniques helps prevent lesions from recurring. In acne keloidalis nuchae, keloidal lesions are found on the occipital scalp and posterior neck. Early treatment with steroids, antibiotics, and retinoids prevents progression. A key part of the management of keloids is prevention. First-line medical therapy includes intralesional steroid injections. The distinct structure of the hair follicle in blacks results in hair care practices that can lead to common scalp disorders. For example, chemical relaxers decrease the strength of hair and may cause breakage. Better patient education, with early diagnosis and treatment, often leads to better outcomes.

Health risks of the clean-shave chiskop haircut.

The clean-shave haircut known locally as the chiskop is rare among females but popular with black South African men, who are also predisposed to folliculitis keloidalis nuchae (FKN) (keloids on the back of the head). During a previous study, participants described an unexpected symptom of haircut-associated bleeding. As this is not a widely recognised entity, we conducted the present study at an HIV clinic servicing the same population, with the objective of comparing the prevalences of haircut-associated bleeding and FKN in 390 HIV-positive subjects with published data for Langa (Western Cape, South Africa). The results for HIV-positive participants were similar to the population data, but in both groups the prevalence of haircut-associated bleeding (24.5% v. 32%; p=0.17) was much higher than that of FKN (10.2% v. 10.5%), suggesting that the hairstyle increases the risk of bleeding even in people with healthy scalps without folliculitis. This study does not (and was not intended to) prove a higher HIV prevalence in chiskop wearers or in FKN sufferers, but it confirms a history of haircut-associated bleeding in at least a quarter of our male study participants. The risk of transmission of blood-borne infection via haircuts is likely to be low, but requires formal quantification. Public education on adequate sterilisation of barber equipment between haircuts and promotion of individual hair-clipper ownership for chiskop clients should not be delayed. Depilatory creams formulated for African hair offer a non-mechanical means of achieving clean-shave hairstyles.

Management of acne scarring, part II: a comparative review of non-laser-based, minimally invasive approaches.

Acne scarring is a commonly encountered yet extremely challenging problem to treat for the dermatologist. As acne scarring can lead to significant psychological distress and low self-esteem, it is of utmost importance to have effective and satisfying treatments in the physician's armamentarium. However, many treatments are unsatisfying, leading to patient disappointment and frustration. Although early treatment of acne lesions and inflammation with isotretinoin is beneficial in preventing acne scarring, many patients still present with troubling noticeable scars. Despite the advances in pharmacology and technology, scar treatment still remains suboptimal and is tainted with several adverse effects. However, some treatments can provide benefits. This review article exhaustively discusses and analyzes the various minimally invasive approaches to the treatment of acne scarring with an emphasis on pharmacologic agents, such as isotretinoin for atrophic acne scars and corticosteroids and chemotherapeutic drugs for hypertrophic scars. Intralesional injections of corticosteroids are efficacious in reducing keloid scar formation in addition to preventing recurrence following surgical excision. In-office and minimally invasive procedural management, including chemical peels, dermabrasion, tissue augmentation, and punch excision is also discussed. Superficial chemical peels are efficacious in treating atrophic scars with relatively few adverse effects and complications. Although dermabrasion is used less often with the advent of laser resurfacing, this technique remains as a viable option for those with atrophic scars. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be managed successfully with topical agents such as azelaic acid and hydroquinone. The efficacy of various treatment modalities is highlighted with a focus on choosing the correct modalities for specific scar types.

Alopecias cicatriciales / Scarring Alopecia

Las alopecias cicatriciales constituyen un grupo de trastornos que dan lugar a una pérdida permanente de cabello como consecuencia de diversos procesos. En este artículo nos centraremos en las alopecias cicatriciales primarias (ACP), un grupo de enfermedades foliculocéntricas en las que el folículo piloso es la principal diana del proceso inflamatorio. Actualmente se clasifican según la celularidad del infiltrado inflamatorio en linfocíticas, neutrofílicas y mixtas. La patogenia de muchas de ellas sigue siendo desconocida. Algunas presentan similitudes clínicas que dificultan el diagnóstico, lo que hace en muchos casos necesaria la práctica de una o más biopsias cutáneas. En el manejo de estas entidades es necesario un diagnóstico preciso de forma precoz y un tratamiento agresivo en algunos casos, con objeto de evitar la destrucción folicular y el desarrollo de una alopecia cicatricial (AU)

Scarring alopecia refers to a group of disorders of various etiologies that cause permanent hair loss. In this article, we focus on primary cicatricial alopecia, a group of diseases in which the hair follicle is the main target of the inflammatory process. These disorders are currently classified as lymphocytic, neutrophilic, or mixed according to the cells that make up the inflammatory infiltrate. The pathogenesis of the majority of these conditions is not fully understood and they may have similar clinical features, often making it necessary to perform 1 or more skin biopsies in order to reach a diagnosis. Management depends on early and accurate diagnosis and aggressive treatment in some cases in order to prevent follicular destruction and scarring (AU)

Treatment of acne scarring.

BACKGROUND: Post-acne scarring remains a common entity despite advances in the treatment of acne. This represents limitations in our quality of therapy and a failure of public education. The level of severe scarring remains as much an ongoing challenge to prevent as well as manage. METHODS: This review will concentrate on the methods by which acne scarring may be improved and the available evidence for their utility. It will also rely on a grading scale of disease burden to classify patients and their ideal therapy. New therapies allowing treatment of scarring in areas other than the face will also be highlighted. RESULTS: Tabulated treatment planning will present algorithms summarizing best practice in the treatment of post-acne scarring. CONCLUSION: Post-acne scarring is being better managed. Grade 1 scars with flat red, white, or brown marks are best treated with topical therapies, fractionated and pigment or vascular-specific lasers and, occasionally, pigment transfer techniques. Grade 2 mild scarring as seen primarily in the mirror is now the territory of non-ablative fractionated and non-fractionated lasers as well as skin rolling techniques. Grade 3 scarring, visible at conversational distance but distensible, is best managed by traditional resurfacing techniques or with fractional non-ablative or ablative devices, sometimes including preparatory surgical procedures. Grade 4 scarring, where the scarring is at its most severe and non-distensible, is most in need of a combined approach.

[Pseudofolliculitis and related disorders in skin of color]. / Pseudofolliculites et affections apparentées chez les sujets à peau noire.

The unique structure of the hair in Black people is responsible for a few specific follicular disorders. Pseudofolliculitis of the beard similar to pili incarnati as well as, the so-called keloidal acne and the follicular degeneration syndrome are frequent clinical entities in ethnic dermatology.